Every November 20 children all over the world are given special attention. It is a day set aside to Celebrate the children and rekindle their hopes in global efforts to help build a safer and better society where they can live and thrive.
This year's celebration came with lots glitz and glamour as UNICEF lights up Abuja city gate blue. Blue signifies royalty, hope and commitment.
Speaking during the event which had in attendance children from various background mostly from shools located in FCT, UNICEF chief of communication, Ms Eliana Drakopoulos stated that the blue light is a symbol of UNICEF commitments to help children in Nigeria and all over the world to realize their rights to education, health and freedom to recreation, play and socialize.
"We are therefore calling on the leaders all over the world to re-comit to helping children to provide a better and safer environment for them to live and thrive". She described children as the future leaders and therefore should be equipped with the right education and social supports.
Some of the Children who spoke during the event expressed delights as well as their concerns.
Precious Solomon in her remark urged parents to desist from passing wrong information to their children especially as regards to sex education. She decried a situation whereby a mother would tell her girl child that a mere touch from a man could lead to pregnancy and the child in return out of curiousity discover that such assertion is untrue. This according to her could lead to loss of confidence in her mother and she would go further to explore other options which could lead her to hurts and even unwanted pregancy.
Another Pupil, Onome Treasure appeal top government at all level to assist children in their quest to actualize their potentials. " Children are the leaders of tomorrow, we need access to sound education, health and good nutrition"
Ms Zainab Yunusa, a U-Reporter and child right advocate wondered why Nigeria is still lagging behind in the implementation of the Child Right Act especially Article 15 which stipulates that "Every Child should have access to education, health and recreations". She also frowned at the Nigeria current status in education where a staggering number of 10.5 million children are out of school.