Why Children Need To Be Celebrated?

A child is a young human of either sex from birth to the completion of physical development. This is the most crucial stage in human development since it determines what the person will be in life. Children are the bedrock of every society, a source of life and hope of parents, the solidarity factor for families and old age insurance.

Children are the sources of social prestige.They are also the symbol of growth and excellence in the society. God has put in our care these children to nurture in His ways.More so that they are leaders of “Today”, so to say and no more of “Tomorrow” as tomorrow will always take care of itself. I would like to remind all Nigerians that children are the future leaders that is why it has been a great honour to celebrate our children.

Children’s day (27 May) is an event celebrated in many places around the world. The holiday is simply set to honour children and minors. First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual understanding and exchange among children. Secondly, to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children. It was also chosen as the day to celebrate childhood.

Later the event became a universal celebration but with different dates in various countries. In Australia and Canada, for instance, it is being celebrated on November 20, Brazil October 12. In Germany, it is handled differently in the East Germany on June 1st while West Germany is September 20 to mention a few. In the United States of America, many parents claim that every day is children’s day while in Nigeria we have the day as May 27th which is being celebrated all over the country. The relevance of children’s day celebration and reason for setting aside May 27 of every year for Nigerian children is fundamentally to further mark the freedom of Nigerian youth from British rule in our father’s land. It is in fact one of the cornerstone avenues to promote Nigerian culture and develop the spirit of oneness among Nigerian children and youths.

Among other things, it encourages the youths to know and learn how to respect our paramount rulers, and leaders elected in high positions. It also serves as avenue for children and youths to make their grievances known to the people in authority through brilliant and meaningful speeches and debates. Apart from providing entertainment for relaxation, the fact is that the day develops the children’s sense of belonging with free determination to serve their communities and the country at large. The ceremony also encourages the children to aim high when they see social students or youths corps members from Nigerian universities participating in march past. It is also an opportunity for the children and youths to compete favourably in different areas of life which may foster friendship and deepen relationship.

A country like Nigeria owes its youths a lot, in an attempt at fostering a better future generation. It is the responsibility of the government to provide qualitative education for the youths. Good health is another very important service that Nigeria should provide for its youths. It is not enough to train a child and allow him or her to waste the training he /she has receieved. Nigeria owes its youths better economy and less corruption in government so that we can move on from there and do better for future generations. Nigerian youths should have cause to feel that they belong to this country. It is important and paramount to remind the government that Nigerian youth need to develop their talents.

Most Nigerian youths are talented in different areas but as a result of lack of encouragement from the government, they lose these gifts as they grow up. If an average Nigerian youth is very creative, he needs to be encouraged to be useful to himself and the country. Many youths today have drifted into crime and other unhealthy practices as a result of unemployment. Most of these youths are university graduates with promising future. Yet, after many years of roaming the streets without jobs, they find themselves doing what they were not really trained to do. The government therefore, has to make sure that inherent talents and training are not wasted. The only way to do this is by providing employment opportunities for the youths.

A progressive government must not be unmindful of the welfare of the youths, and a well-prepared youths on attaining adulthood, will not forget those who helped to mould his life. In the light of this, Nigerian youths need encouragement by the government so that they can put more effort into whatever they are doing because they believe that their country recognises them. The youths would be happier, feeling assured of a better future and I bet the youths would never disappoint our country, Nigeria..

Apparently, adequate and proper training need be given to our children. Parents also need to create time for their children in order to continuously inculcate sound education and good moral in them so as to help create a better and successful Nigeria. Sincerely, I believe that if the youths of today are properly groomed, then a sure tomorrow would not be a problem or an illusion.

Finally, to the Nigerian youths I will advise you all to be hard working because that will open doors for you. It will also roll out red carpets for you and connect you to rich and powerful men and women in the world which will ultimately result in success. A child of today is the father or mother of tomorrow. Be of good behaviour. Eschew bad behaviour and groups, and work hard for an enviable future. Remember that “NO SWEET WITHOUT SWEAT” and success can only be won with grim fight.

LONG LIVE LAGOS STATE! LONG LIVE NIGERIA!!

Happy CELEBRATION OUR GREAT CHILDREN!
By Abdulkareem Sulaiman