Women Minister assures safety for Nigerian school children

ABUJA (Women Affairs Ministry Report) – The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Zainab Maina has charged Nigerian children to continue to face their studies and not be deterred in the face of the current challenges in the country as government is intensifying efforts to ensure that school environments are secure and safe for them. 

While speaking at the event held in Abuja lately to commemorate the 2014 Universal Day of the Child, Zainab Maina represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ezekiel Oyemomi (Dr) observed that the day provided an opportunity for stakeholders to consolidate on the ideal that there is no alternative to education and peace. 

She also noted that the ‘Universal Day of the Child’ is celebrated on the 20th day of November worldwide. Adding, it was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954 to encourage all countries to institute a day for the promotion of mutual exchange and understanding among children as well as initiation of actions towards promoting the welfare of children around the world. 

The Minister appealed to insurgents to allow peace to reign in the country and schools, indicating that Government is intensifying efforts to ensure that school environments are secure and safe for them. She also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for granting approval for the movement of about 3,000 students from Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States, who are affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to other unity colleges across the country. 

“Government is strategizing through the development of varied policies and programmes to accelerate change in the unfortunate and regrettable development in the country, whereby innocent children are being abducted, maimed or killed by insurgents. The theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Children’s Education Imperative for Sustainable Development’ is apt and timely as education improves the development of any society and children education enhances dependable growth and development,” the Minister explained. 

Maina inferred that education for sustainable development precludes guiding children to love the country which they live in and to understand that opportunities and resources are not infinite. She called on United Nations Agencies, NGOs, stakeholders and individuals to assist the country with policies and programmes that will contribute to the overall well being of Nigerian children.