President Muhammadu Buhari. Photo: Archive/Radio Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope but rekindled their faith in the ability of Government to safeguard the future of Nigerians especially children.
He said in eight years, the government had focused on children, negotiating and fighting for the release of many that were taken captive, and building intelligence on the whereabouts of others.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Saturday said some children taken captive have been released, assuring that more will come, by God’s grace, as the next administration continues on the same noble path.
He urged Nigerian parents and children on the occasion of the Childrens day to hold onto the ancient truths of integrity, honesty, knowledge and hard work in spite of the changing times, saying these landmarks remain the pillars of destiny.
He said children are the greatest assets on earth and must be protected.
“On this special day, we are immensely grateful to God for another opportunity to celebrate our children, on May 27th, 2023. Every Children’s Day reminds us of the future, and the necessary sacrifices and building blocks by parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and Government to secure our greatest assets on earth, the YOUNGER ONES.
“As a father and grandfather, I share in the joy that children bring into our lives, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. And I also feel the pain of loss, anxiety, and frustration that comes with uncertain times, like the disruptions to families due to insecurity, which we have worked hard to contain in the last eight years.
President Buhari also admonished parents to treat their children with dignity, while staying focused on discipline.
“As we are aware, raising healthy and promising children is a collective responsibility. In Nigeria, like in most of Africa, the community has a stake in the upbringing of the child. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child. And as the world continues to become smaller with new technology, and the borders on culture and cultural values are steadily getting blurred, we must retain our identity and values. Our core values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and love for learning should not be negotiated. Our children should know and stay with the ancient landmarks of what is true, and right at home, and abroad,’’ he said.
The President noted that efforts should be geared towards putting building blocks that will sustain unity, peace and prosperity for the sake of the children.
Writing by Annabel Nwachukwu