Children’s Day: ‘Future Depends On Quality Of Education, Skills We Provide For Our Young Ones’ – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has affirmed that the future of Nigeria as a nation depends on the quality of education and skills we provide for our children.

Speaking on Monday at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex Adamasingba, Ibadan during the year 2024 National Children’s Day Celebration, Governor Makinde noted that it takes the collective responsibility to ensure that our children receive the best possible start in life.

He maintained that education is the foundation upon which our children’s future success is built.

Governor Makinde who was ably represented at the event by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun said, “The future of our nation depends on the quality of education and skills we provide to our young ones. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the best possible start in life as quality education is the foundation upon which our children’s future success is built. It is the key to unlock their potentials, fostering critical thinking, creativity and innovation.”

“Education empowers them to make informed decisions, adapt to an ever-changing world, and become active contributors to our society.”

“However, education alone is not enough, skill acquisition is equally vital in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, our children need to be equipped with practical skills that meet the demands of the 21st century. They must be able to problem-solve, communicate effectively and be digitally literate.”

“It is pertinent to state that the reality is that many Nigerian children are denied this fundamental right, they face numerous barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, outdated curriculum and insufficient resources. This is unacceptable. Every child deserves access to quality education and skills training, regardless of their background, location or socio-economic status.

In addition, African parents sometimes expose their children to child labour, kidnapping, rape, malnutrition and all forms of abuse. A lot has to be put in place, to help break the vicious cycle of inequality among all groups of children. The world of tomorrow cannot prosper if children of today are not healthy, educated and protected because lack of investment in quality services for children are one of the key barriers that prevent many children from reaching their full potentials.

I would therefore urge us all to put all hands on deck and commit to improving access to quality education, especially in underserved areas, invest in teacher training and development, to provide resources and infrastructure for schools, promote inclusive and equitable education, encourage skills acquisition through vocational training and extracurricular activities, foster partnership between schools, communities and organizations.”

“It is pertinent to mention that the Oyo State Government under the current administration has been proactive in the promotion of quality education and skills development of children in the State, most especially orphans and vulnerable children in the State through the following intervention programmes which are:

1. Increased access to quality education at primary and secondary levels for all eligible Oyo State children
2. Encouraging private providers to provide quality and affordable education to children of Oyo State
3. Provision of scholarship for brilliant students to encourage competition in public schools
4. Giving waivers to children most especially the vulnerable and less privileged ones to access free quality education and health services in the State
5. Rescue and placement of abused children to enable them receive care and support services and promoting their rights to survival, protection, development and participation, provision of medical assistance, counselling and shelter to the victims of child abuse among others, Makinde said.

The Governor however called on well meaning Nigerians to collaborate with his Government towards providing good quality education for the young ones.

He said, “Let us together create a State where every child can thrive, reach their full potentials and contribute to our nation’s  growth and prosperity, the total well-being of the Nigerian child is our collective responsibility, let us rise to the challenge and build a brighter future for our children, our nation and ourselves.”

Highlights of the event include match past, cutting of the celebration cake, presentation of certifications of participation to all the schools in attendance, cultural performance among others.

Students of Straight Twise Model School, Olomi Ibadan emerged overall winner at the primary schools category of the match past competition, with a 74% score, while IDV Model School, Erinkoja Obe came second with 64%, Lydel Kiddies Nursery and Primary School, Felele clinched 3rd position with 60%.

St. Anne’s School Molete Ibadan emerged 1st position at the Secondary School category with 80%, Oladipo Alayande School of Science came second position at the category while TMM Secondary School emerged third position with 65%.

Dignitaries at the event include, the Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon Wasilla Adegoke,Chairman Local Government Pension Board, Honorable Ademola Ige, top government officials, traditional rulers, religion leaders, among others.