The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening child protection frameworks aimed at safeguarding children against abuse, exploitation and all forms of violence, while also promoting inclusive education and improved welfare for every child in the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration with the theme, ” Future Now: Promoting inclusion for every Nigerian child held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square, Arcade, Igbatoro road Akure, where he stressed the importance of creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment that allows children to thrive and achieve their full potential regardless of their background or physical condition.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the Aiyedatiwa-led administration would continue to promote children’s rights, welfare, care and education, while also creating awareness about the protection of children through the implementation of a necessary framework for their protection.
The governor said that the government was committed to encouraging positive relationships between children and adults and strengthening family and community bonds necessary for raising responsible and productive future leaders.
He described the theme of this year’s celebration as apt, profound and thought-provoking, noting that it underscored the collective responsibility of stakeholders to secure the future of every child regardless of gender, religion, socio-economic status or physical condition.
The governor said every child deserved equal opportunities to learn, grow, dream and succeed, adding that deliberate efforts must be made to eliminate barriers preventing children from attaining their full potential.
He explained that the state government remained committed to implementing the Child Rights Law 2007 and other child protection frameworks aimed at safeguarding children against abuse, exploitation, trafficking, violence and neglect.
“The true wealth of any society lies not merely in its natural resources but in the quality, capacity and preparedness of its human resources.
“Children are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are also important stakeholders of today.
“This understanding continues to guide the policies and programmes of our administration as encapsulated in the OUR EASE agenda.”
The governor added that his administration had sustained free tuition in public primary and secondary schools to ensure that no child was denied access to education due to financial constraints.
According to him, the policy had contributed significantly to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
He further disclosed that over 2,000 teachers had been recruited into public primary and secondary schools to bridge manpower shortages, improve teacher-student ratios and strengthen learning outcomes and renovation and construction of classrooms, provide instructional materials and supply furniture and learning equipment across public schools in the state.
He said the administration was also paying WAEC and NABTEB examination fees for eligible students in public secondary schools and technical colleges to ease the financial burden on parents.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Babatunde Kolawole, described children as the future of the state and called for greater commitment to their welfare and development.
The APC chairman also praised the commissioner for her efforts towards improving the welfare of women and children in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Ondo State and Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Mr Gbenga Fasua, described the celebration as a day of joy advocating the protection of their rights and promoting a safe environment where they could thrive through quality education and proper care.
In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Oluwaseun Osamaye, said the state government remained committed to creating equal opportunities for every child irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability or socio-economic background.
She said the theme of the celebration highlighted the need for stakeholders to ensure that every child was loved, protected, heard and given access to opportunities.
The commissioner disclosed that the government had intensified efforts towards reducing child labour, child trafficking, bullying and other forms of abuse affecting children in the state.
She appreciated teachers, parents, caregivers and development partners for their sacrifices towards shaping the future of children.
In her address, the wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, described the occasion as a moment of reflection for children, teachers and parents currently held captive in different parts of the country.
She urged Nigerians to continue praying for the safe release of abducted children and support ongoing efforts by security agencies and government at all levels.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa stressed that every child deserved love, protection, quality education and equal opportunities irrespective of social status, gender, religion or disability.
The event featured colourful cultural performances, marching past by pupils and students from different schools, talent displays by children with special needs, games and other entertainment activities where some schools won prizes for different categories.
The Ondo state children’s parliament were also on the ground to appreciate the government and called for more support to actualise child protection in the state.
In attendance were; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Bosede Adelami PhD; Chief of staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; State Chairman of APC, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; OSOPADEC Commissioner, Hon. Grace Adebisi Adeniyi; Mrs Moson Odokalo; Chairman, TESCOM, Ondo State / Ondo ADIPO AFANL-TESCOM, Mrs Oluwadusi Oke (PhD); Representative of the Deji of Akureland, High Chief (Hon.) Folani Folorunso, JP; Permanent Secretaries, led by Chairman, Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Chief Segun Odesanmi; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Pastor Bola Akinmudagun; Representative of Ministry of Culture Representative; Adesola Aderonobi; Chairman, Legion, Ondo State Chapter, Major T. A. Akangbayi; Vice Chairman, Akure South, Hon. Adebayo Afolabi; Vice Chairman, UAM, Bishop Ayodeji Akomolafe; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo Ilawole; Board Member, HMB, Mrs Arinola Adamolekun; OSIEC Commissioner, Mrs Stella Omotosho; Deputy State Commander, NTBLA, Ologbemi Oluwun; Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, among other dignitaries.
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