By: Esther Okoi
Wife of the State Governor of Cross River State, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu has urged every child to believe in themselves, work hard, and stay true to their values because, "you are our future, our hope, and our greatest treasure.”
Mrs. Otu who gave the charge during the celebration of the 2024 Children’s’ Day celebration held at the Main Bowl U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar ,called on the children to be reminded that no dream is too big and no challenge is too great to be achieved
The Governor's wife who described children as “our future, our hope, and our greatest treasure,” urged them to be kind, and always strive to make a positive difference in the world.
“Today is a day to recognize and honor your boundless potential, your dreams, and your endless energy. Each one of you holds within you the power to change the world, to bring new ideas, and to create a brighter future for us all.
"Your laughter, your creativity, and your dreams light up our lives and give us hope for a brighter tomorrow,” she said.
Continuing she maintained that, “you are the leaders, innovators and visionaries of tomorrow. As you grow and learn, remember that you are never alone. We, your parents, teachers, and leaders, are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
"We believe in your potential and are committed to providing you with the enabling environment ,opportunities and tools you need to succeed.
“Your education, health, and well-being are our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to create an environment where you can thrive and reach your full potential. I want you to know that you are loved, valued and you are the heartbeat of Cross River State,” Mrs. Otu concluded.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom stated that “parenting is for all of us. The child is only yours when that child is inside your tummy. Once that child is out, the child belongs to the community and to all of us. We need to watch our children,” emphasizing the need to prayerfully nurture the children to become what they were destined to be.
She abhorred early child marriage, describing it as Gender Based Violence and admonishes parents to commit themselves into knowing that the future of the child begins today and not tomorrow, adding that their skills are manifesting and showcasing their potentials and greatness.
On his part, the Commissioner for Education, Sen. Stephen Odey, stated that the wellbeing of the children is encapsulated in the vision of the Ministry of Education as mandated by Governor Bassey Otu which is to ensure every child has unhindered access to qualitative education.
"The present administration has started “enhancing the wellbeing of the children by providing for the registration of sixteen thousand three hundred and one (16,301) students of Cross River indigene for the WAEC and NECO examinations. No other sacrifice could be better than this,” he added.
Also speaking, the Speaker, Cross River Children’s Parliament, Hon. Etim Kaghini-Nse Osika expressed their gratitude to the Governor’s wife and other partners for their dedication and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the children of Cross River State.
He noted that the “National Children’s Day is a day that seeks not only to celebrate but also to address the issues surrounding the vulnerability of children.
"Children hold the future therefore, an investment in any child is a direct investment in the future," he added
He informed that neglecting child centred responsibilities limit the chances of children, as they remain vulnerable to all forms of physical, psychological, emotional abuse, saying," this either affects us now or subsequently affects us in the future. By this, all hands must be on deck and begin to direct more effort towards the protection and development of the children.” He added.
This year's Children’s Day celebration which was well attended by children and parents featured parade the Nigerian Police Nursery/Primary School pupils as well as march past by the various participating Primary and Secondary Schools across the metropolis, uniform organizations and was attended by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, members of the State's Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and political appointees among others
