Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, counseled Nigerian Children on Tuesday to shun drugs and dream bigs for the future belings to them.
The duo gave the admonition in seperate goodwill messages to Nigerian Children in commemoration of Children’s day.
Specifically, Senator Akpabio in his own remarks during special session for the Children on Tuesday, assured them that the legislature is committed to prioritising policies and programmes that will protect their rights and enable them explore their potentials.
He urged them to shun drugs, dream big, work hard and never give up on their aspirations.
“We pledge to prioritise policies and programmes that protect their rights and their potentials,” he assured.
The children, in appreciation of the recognition by the Senate, made separate presentations to express their gratitude. They thereafter received individual handshakes from the lawmakers.
Earlier, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to strengthen efforts towards ensuring free, compulsory, and quality education for all Nigerian children.
It said the risk of national instability that stems from neglecting the child population manifesting in rising youth unemployment, radicalisation, gender disparities, and multi-generational poverty is troubling.
This was sequel to the adoption of resolutions of a motion sponsored by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Ireti Kingibe to mark this year’s International Children’s Day with a strong and deliberate stance on child education and development.
The Senate urged the federal government to introduce and implement a National Skills for Children Initiative, targeting early development in ICT literacy, craft entrepreneurship, creative arts, and problem-solving—starting from primary schools.
It also mandated its Committees on Basic Education, Youth Development, and Legislative Compliance to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the status of child education and development initiatives across the country and report back with actionable recommendations.
In his own goodwill message , Senator Lado said: “As the future leaders of our great country, your bright minds, creativity, and boundless potential continue to inspire us all, reminding the world that greatness begins with the dreams of a child.
“On this day, we honour not only who you are now, but who you are destined to become: the innovators, healers, artists, and visionaries who will shape Nigeria and the world.
“To every child: never stop dreaming, learning, or believing in your power to make a difference.
“We reaffirm our commitment to nurturing your talents, protecting your rights, and building a society where you can grow and thrive with confidence”.