Peace Obi
The Principal, Loral International Day Secondary School, FESTAC Town, Lagos, Mr. Uzoukwu Benjamin, has advised Nigerian students to devote more time to reading and shun activities that add little or no value to their lives. Addressing students during the Children’s Day celebration organised by the school management for its primary and secondary school students, he urged them to be focused and make appropriate use of their time by doing the right thing at the right time. “Be focused, reading culture is going down, so read more because knowledge and secrets are hidden in books. And if you don’t read you won’t be able to widen your knowledge. The truth is that for any child to be well equipped to face challenges of life, that child must find time to read.”
On the importance of the celebration to every child, Benjamin said it is a day set aside to celebrate children, show them love, and give them a sense of belonging. He said Children’s Day should not only be spent having fun, but should be a day to make a child realise the need to get his/her bearings right. In her remarks, the Headmistress of the primary section, Mrs. Cecilia Elendu, urged children to always show good morals, believe in themselves and remain committed to their studies. She encouraged the children to feel free and enjoy the day’s celebration, saying:
“Today’s event is organised by the management to help you enjoy your childhood and make you have fun memories of a day like this. As you all know, all over the world, children are celebrated today and as a way of showing you how much we care about you, about your future, and as part of our commitment to nurturing a complete child. Today’s programme is loaded with learning but fun-filled activities that will leave you happier than you came.” While urging those participating in one competition or the other to show spirit of sportsmanship, she said everyone is a winner and that if they do not win today, that they can win some other time.
The social prefect, Master Ebuka Dim, who also served as the master of celebration, told THISDAY that most students look forward to Children’s Day every year. He said being a day that children are celebrated globally, it gives them the opportunity to socialise and have fun, adding that it also provides an opportunity for those who are talented in the area of entertainment to showcase their ability.
“Like today, we had dancers and even three students who came together as a team to make a presentation of their song, written and sang by the team. So, while we are having fun, talents are discovered. Stressing the need for students to find time to relax and refresh their brains, Dim said “all of our time should not go to academics, students should learn to take some break, relax and refresh their brains for better performance and that is one the things Children’s Day offers.” With a line-up of activities such as dancing competition, fastest finger beauty pageant, among others, students also showcased their talents in different classes of music. The climax of the event was the crowning of a primary four pupil, Miss Nmesoma Umerah as the Miss Children’s Day, while Master Chimdalu Ifediba was crowned Master Children’s Day.
