BY HENRY UMORU, ABUJA
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said, Friday,  that the Federal government will pursue the dream that a Nigerian child from any part of the country can realize his or her God-given potentials.

Cultural dance by children at the Children Day Celebration organised by Close Up at the University of Lagos Yaba Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe

The President who noted that children in the country should be able to access good and quality education as well as enjoy good health care however pledged that his administration will as a matter of right, provide the necessary opportunity and enabling environment for the children to develop their potentials and grow into responsible and productive adults.

Speaking yesterday at this year’s Children’s Day Celebration held at Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, President Jonathan stressed that arrangements have also been concluded by the government to improve its investment in Nigerian children as that would help guarantee the future of Nigeria.

Represented at the occasion by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed, the President further assured of his commitment to institute necessary reforms that will make government accountable, tackle disparities, wage war against malaria as well as HIV/AIDS; secure gender equality and reduce violence in our society through adequate security arrangements.

According to him, “we will build on the virtues of love and respect for one another, pursue unity, promote and reward hard work with no room given for indolence.

“As I take my oath of office on May 29, 2011, I urge us all to re-dedicate ourselves to creating a Nigeria fit for all, most especially our children, a Nigeria in which all children are given love, care, and the nurturing required to make a good start in life.

“This is the kind of Nigeria that our children deserve; and this is the kind of social system that we owe a duty to provide to the people.”
Earlier in her address of welcome, Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih  who noted that this year’s Children’s Day was a special one because it coincides with the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan to lead the country for the next four years, however hailed the foundation laid by President Jonathan that will enable the children realise their potentials.

Highlight of the event was the provision of scholarship to five Nigerian children for one week training in USA by Senator Bala Mohammed with assistance by his friend and the Mayor of Dallas, USA, Mr. Dwayne Caraway.

These lucky children are from Regina Pacis College; Al-Rahman School; School for Deaf; Government Secondary School, Area 11 and Tintsel International School all in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.