2021WCD: Onyemelukwe, Okoli Celebrate The Nigerian Child
Top aspirants in the Nov. 6 governorship elections in Anambra have congratulated the Nigerian child on the occasion of 2021 World Children’s Day.
The politicians in separate occasions canvassed that children in Nigeria deserved the best environment that would enable them develop competitively and be the best anywhere in the world.
In her message, Mrs Chidi Onyemelukwe, an aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the day was a moment for the society to reflect on some children who were victims of various forms of abuse.
Onyemelukwe said the abuses included neglect, trafficking, kidnapping, child labour, girl-child marriage, malnourishment, and unmet healthcare and educational needs.
The Educationalist said if elected governor of Anambra she would continue to give primacy to children’s education, welfare and healthcare needs.
According to her, these challenges are even more pronounced in Nigeria where there are 13 million out of school children, more than the whole populations of many nations.
“These are fully reflected in our manifesto where we have laid out plans for the education, health and welfare of the child to be front and centre in our governance modalities.
“The air of insecurity in and around Nigeria troubles everyone and for sure would be even more traumatising for our children. For their sake, we need to work hard to restore peace to our land.
“As a mother, my fervent prayer and wish for every Nigerian child, and indeed children all over the world is joy, safety, good health, success and all round excellence,” he said.
On his part, Chief Rommy Okoli, a leading contender for the ticket of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) celebrated the day with no fewer than 100 children in Awka
Okoli said children were strategically important for the survival of any nation and that all hands must be on deck to ensure that they quality upbringing.
He said children deserved and should have unfettered access to quality education, healthcare, peaceful and positive environment to make life meaningful to them.
According to him, children should be spared of the sufferings and abuses they are made to pass through
“A child that is abused and neglected while growing up will definitely take his revenge on the society later in his or her life.
“We put this special get together for Anambra children in celebration of their day not because we have so much money but to give them a sense of belonging.
” My administration will ensure that children are not exempted from the welfarist packages I have in store for Anambra if given the mandate to pilot the affairs of the state,” he said.
