Minister, NiRA, Others Celebrate Students on Children’s Day

Emma Okonji

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has raised the hope of Nigerian children during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, organised by U-Ideals Consulting at the National Stadium, Surulere.
The minister who was represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Adeola Salau, assured Nigerian children of government support and advised them to take their studies seriously, especially in today’s digital era.

Also, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, an arm of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), yesterday, celebrated some selected students from various schools in Lagos, including Pacelli School for the Blind & Partially Sighted in Surulere, as part of activities marking 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Themed: ‘Parental Neglect-Bane of Children’s Delinquency’ the celebration, recognised outstanding students in both academics and culture.

Speaking at the occasion, the commissioner, who was represented by the First Female Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Itunuoluwa Soniregun, commended the organisers and the participating students, including sponsors of the programme.

The commissioner admonished diligent students and encouraged them to focus on their academics in order to build a career for their future.

A professional school teacher from Idolo Grammar School, Lagos, Alhaja Idayat Morenikeji Badmus, who gave the keynote address, spoke on the need for parents to protect, provide, and inspire their children and wards. According to her, parental neglect on children, would give them automatic invitation to bad groups in the society that will turn them against their parents and the society.
Executive Secretary, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, Erica Okibe, advised the students to always be of good behaviour and to endeavour to play safe while browsing the internet.

“In a world bedevilled with so many unsafe internet sites, the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation stands at the forefront of advancing a safer and more inclusive digital ecosystem for children in Nigeria. The foundation is known for its outstanding commitment to protecting children in the digital age and for its remarkable impact in promoting online safety. Through visionary leadership and practical, community-driven engagement, the foundation has empowered children, parents, educators, and institutions with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly,” Okibe said.
According to her, through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships, and impactful programming, the foundation has strengthened national conversations around digital literacy and child online protection, while building safer digital communities across Nigeria.

Cash donations were given to outstanding students, while all participating students were well entertained with food, drinks and music, during the celebration.

CEO, U-Ideals Consulting, organisers of the Children’s Day celebration, Mrs. Becky Uba Umenyili, commended the students and their teachers for taking education to a greater height and promised to expand the programme and make it a yearly recognition programme for students and teachers in Lagos State.

Umenyili used the occasion to recognize some individuals and Foundations that have contributed to the development and protection of children and students.

Former Supper Eagles striker, Mr. Segun Odegbami was recognized for his contribution in reviving sports in all primary and secondary schools in Nigeria while serving as the Chairman of NASCOM, a special Committee set up by the federal government some years ago.

Rev. Fr. Linus Nnkemjinaka Onyenagubor was recognized for his project tagged: ‘Priest on the Street’, which centred on restoring human dignity and adding value to the most fragile and marginalized members of society.

Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, popularly called BAF, was also recognized for its school support programme, through which the Foundation has embarked on renovation of classrooms block, and supply of school materials, including training of teachers.
Ndukwe Kalu Foundation was recognised for promoting online safety among students.