
President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged parents to ensure discipline but also treat their children with dignity.
The president gave the challenge in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, in Abuja to mark 2023 Children’s Day.
“Every child is special and should be specially treated with dignity.
“At the twilight of this administration, we are thankful for all the support we have received from parents, government officials, development partners, professionals, and religious leaders in realizing some of our targets, like the school feeding programme, resuscitation of the primary health care system, and protecting our schools by the security agencies.
“As we are aware, raising healthy and promising children is a collective responsibility. In Nigeria, like in most of Africa, the community has a stake in the upbringing of the child. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child. And as the world continues to become smaller with new technology, and the borders on culture and cultural values are steadily getting blurred, we must retain our identity and values. Our core values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and love for learning should not be negotiated. Our children should know and stay with the ancient landmarks of what is true and right at home and abroad,’’ he added.
The President noted that efforts should be geared towards putting building blocks that will sustain unity, peace and prosperity for the sake of the children.
He also praised Nigerian parents and stakeholders in the education sector for helping his administration deliver in key promises such as the school feeding programme, resuscitation of the primary health care system, and protection of schools by the security agencies.