Children’s Day: Children cry out over biting hardship, beg Tinubu to fix Nigeria

Tomorrow, Nigerian Children will be joining their colleagues across the world to celebrate the 2024 Children’s Day. Unlike their peers in other climes, they appear sad, distraught and tired of the hardship in the country. In this report, they talked about Nigeria of their dream. Their thoughts are captured by Gbenga Akinfenwa (Lagos), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu), Joke Falaju (Abuja), AbdulGaniyu Alabi (Kaduna), Solomon Azu (Calabar), Obinna Nwaoku  (Port Harcourt), Charles Akpeji (Jalingo), Rauf Oyewole (Bauchi), Mansur Aramide (Ilorin), Monday Osayande (Asaba), Michael Egbejule (Benin City), Owede Agbajileke (Abuja), Murtala Adewale (Kano) and Collins Osuji (Owerri).

Govt Must Make Living Wage For Workers Priority
We are currently faced with enormous challenges frustrating us. This year’s Children’s Day should serve as a reminder to government at all levels to protect and nurture the potential of children and also highlight the importance of providing us with safe and healthy childhood encompassing education, school feeding programme and a secure environment.
This occasion should also be used to raise awareness about the rights and challenges we face – poverty, lack of access to education, healthcare and child labour among other issues.
Today, the Nigerian children are confronted with exorbitant school fees without a corresponding increase in workers’ salaries. I wonder how a parent of four children who earns a monthly salary of less than N100, 000 can raise as much as N250, 000 to pay only school fees besides other basic amenities such as healthcare, feeding, transportation, house rent among others.
Sharon Solomon, SSS 3, Cross River State.

Children Rights Must Be Protected By Govt
I want government to protect the rights of children. Children are abused on daily basis. We hear of different types of child abuse such as defilement, physical and mental abuse, child labour, deprivation among others.
I also want governments, at all levels, to, as a matter of priority, provide access to affordable education for children, subsidise the cost of text books and school fees.
If government cannot declare free education for at least children of secondary school level, they should implement loan for students, provide enabling learning environment, protect and secure school children from kidnapping and abduction, provide access to affordable healthcare services among others.
Progress Ake, Secondary School, Cross River State

Key Sectors Of The Economy Should Be Revived
FOR a long time, there has been a total neglect of the key sectors like education, health and others.
As a child in Nigeria, I can’t help but feel that our leaders have left nothing for us. Every day, I see the struggles of my family and friends, and it feels like there’s no hope for a better future.
Our education system is failing, our infrastructure is crumbling, and corruption is rampant. It’s disheartening to think about what lies ahead when it seems like the ones in charge don’t care about us. I wish I could be hopeful, but it’s hard when all I see is a bleak future ahead.
Nasir Rauf, SS3, Government College, Kaduna

This Time To Change The Society, Give Children Hope  
WE demand good and quality education, healthcare, and more opportunities. I know it is very tasking, but nothing worth having is easy. Together, we can make Nigeria a better place for all of us. I’m determined to be part of the change, and I won’t give up until we see a brighter tomorrow.
Maryam Hassan, Malali Capital School, Kaduna

Laws Must Be Enacted For Children To Have Free Access To Healthcare
MY major concern is the way and manner bandits have continued to gain access to school premises and abduct school children.
There are so many cases of school children abduction in the country, thus, there is need for government to map out strategies on how to protect the lives of children in both public and private schools.
Cherish Ozozoyin, JSS 3, OMAS Royal Academy, Taraba State.

Insecurity Should Be Addressed
MY current fear is the spate of insecurity that is bedeviling Taraba State and the entire country.
My childhood dream of becoming a military personnel has been diminished because of the way and manner soldiers are being slaughter by criminals.
Bright Akpeji, Taraba State

We Need Construction Of Good Roads, Make Them Accident Free
I want government to address insecurity in the country; especially, kidnapping that has become rampant across the country.
It is sad that bad roads have become the face of the country, we need the construction of good roads to make the roads accident free.
The issue of fuel scarcity and high cost of fuel has become burden to households, as our parents are finding it difficult to cope with the high cost of food.
If our leaders are sincere, these problems can be solved, so that Nigerians can be comfortable through the dividends of democracy. I wish everyone Happy Children’s Day.
Whitney Akinfenwa, Middle Class 1, Brainfield Montessori School, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

Children Need Govt Support To Have A Better Life
IT is a fact that social infrastructure are lacking in Nigeria, the roads are bad and serves as death traps, the taxes collected should serve the purpose they are meant for, despite all these Nigeria is and will always be God’s own favoured country.
Karis Ayoola, Middle Class 1, Brainfield Montessori School, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

Govt Should Work On Housing For Citizens
IT is another children’s day celebration, on behalf of my school; I join millions of children all over the country to celebrate this occasion.
Government needs to provide 24 hours power supply, which is the hallmark for any industrialised nation. Good road network and transportation system are other areas the government needs to look into, because this will help to transport goods from the areas of production to the areas where they are needed.
Darasimi Shonibare, De-Amazing Int’l Group Of Schools, Alagbado, Lagos State.

I Pray For A Nation Where Corruption Is Drastically Eradicated
NO matter the challenges prevailing in the country, I am very optimistic that the future of our dear nation is still very bright and she will rise above all its current challenges.
I see hope, joy and celebration, because there light at the end of the tunnel. Nigeria is homely for all her citizens with the abundant gift of the real land for everyone to settle.
I foresee a nation where corruption will be drastically eradicated and resources evenly distributed among her rising population.
Finally, I see a nation where ethnicity will be a thing of the past where a Hausa man will see the Yoruba man as his brother and likewise an Igbo man will see the Hausa or Yoruba man as his brothers because we are united with a formidable force.
Precious Ogungbesan, De-Amazing Int’l Group Of Schools, Jokeayo, Alagbado, Lagos.

Our Leaders Need To Be More Patriotic
WHAT I feel about Nigeria is that many Nigerians are not patriotic enough. Government makes civic education compulsory in secondary schools so that we can be good citizens, but we see that many people are after their own satisfaction only.
Instead of supporting the government and praying for Nigeria, they create problems and even pronounce curses on the country. I believe that if people put the interest of the country in a place of priority, support the government and pray for the country, Nigeria will be better and more conducive for all to live in.

Emmanuel Oladepo, Adenrele High School (Senior), Ifo, Ogun State.
There’s Need To Pool Resources Together For The Country’s Development
THOUGH Nigeria is a great country, we concentrate more on our ethnic, religious and political differences. This has been the genesis of a lot of controversies and conflicts that have drastically slowed down the possible rapid growth and development of the country. If our resources, both human and natural, are pooled without any form of bias, Nigeria will grow and develop by leaps and bounds.
Tunmise Ayinde, Foursquare International Secondary School, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Social Contract Should Improve To Salvage The Dwindling Economy
GOVERNMENT should focus on fostering better economic integration across the six geopolitical zones. If these are done, there will be greater development across every part of the country beyond our expectations.
Precious Aguma, SSS, Cherubim and Seraphim College Sabo-Oke, llorin, Kwara State.

We Need A Country Where Housing Is Priority
SUCCESSIVE governments in the country have been parting with blames and condemnations from the citizens; the immediate past administration was not exempted.
With the coming of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria of my dream is where education will be free such that every child will have access to qualitative education and standard of living will improve for all Nigerians. Again, there should be affordable health care for all.
I seek consideration for housing as priority, also, the need to address the problem of epileptic power supply for dead industries to return to life.
Rejoice Paschal, SSS3, Anglican Secondary School, Kwara State.

There Is Need To Review Prices Of Goods In Markets
IN the last one year, I have observed that prices of almost everything have been going high in the market and there is urgent need for government to do something about this.
Imagine a crate of egg is currently N4, 300 from the previous price of N700. We cannot eat three-square meals again because everything in the market is so expensive.
The toiletries and small provisions we previously buy for N5000 is about N15, 000. We need the government to do something about this, by reviewing the prices of goods in the market. If the problem is really caused by the fuel subsidy removal, government needs to address this, so that traders can buy goods and sell at cheaper rate.
Divine Akinbobola, JSS 3, Pakit Foundation School, Abuja.

There Is Need To Set Up Programmes On Peace, Unity In Local Areas
THOUGH the government is trying, it is not enough. Also on the issue of insecurity, I know the President is trying but it is not enough. On the issue of unemployment, there is high rate of unemployment in Nigeria. What I think should be done is for the government to give room to create more businesses and factories so as to reduce unemployment rate.
Government needs to curb climate change, the government needs to invest more in electric cars just like is done in foreign countries. My Teacher use to say that Nigeria cannot get better looking at the conflicts happening amongst ethnic groups. To tackle this, the government needs to set up programmes on peace and unity in various local areas and discuss the importance of peace and unity in our communities.
Keren-happuch Manasoko Amihere, JSS 1, Britmax International School, Abuja.

We Want Our Leaders To Make Everything Surplus
WE wish to see a Nigeria that makes things easy for our parents, because things have changed for our parents. Their budgets for us have reduced drastically. The hardship is becoming unbearable because there is no money in the country.
We want the government to make our schools safe for us, give us stable light, affordable foods, free education and free healthcare.
Oluwatimileyin Praise Oladele, JSS 3, League Intellect Academy, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

Government Should Prioritise Investment In Education
I wish the government can prioritise investment in education, so that children can be safe in schools across the country to achieve our goals. Also, I would like the government to provide potable water and good hospitals for the children.
I want Nigerian leaders to make us happy and grow like our friends in other countries. I don’t like where children are begging for food on the streets. Let the government provide food for children so that we can be good leaders tomorrow.
Amina Zakariyya Muye, Basic 1, Al-Furqan International Academy, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

School Fees, Standard Of Living Should Be Affordable
I don’t like my country. I want to go to America to school. Many of my friends in class are not coming to school again; I heard some have traveled out of the country. They call it japa, they have relocated abroad with their parents, while others have gone to another school because our school fees was increased last year.
I am still attending my school because my mother is a staff of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the staff children are paying small money, while non-staff pay more.
Before now, we were about 40 pupils in my class, but when we resumed last session, half of the pupils in my class didn’t resume with us because of school fees. They said their parents have changed their school to a less expensive school because they cannot afford UBTHSIL Academy.
Toju Daniels, Basic II, UBTHSIL Academy, Edo State.

Tell Our President To Help Our Parents With Money, Reduce Fuel Price
MANY students are no longer going to school again because their parents cannot afford their school fees. Some don’t come to school with lunch bags with food, but only biscuit because there is no money to buy them.
My parents are complaining that they may withdraw us from our school next session to a school nearby, in order to reduce money spent on fuel. I like my school and don’t want to change school.
I am sad that things are hard in the country now and we are not happy again as children. No more fun as a pupil. Tell our President to help our parents with money and reduce fuel pump price, so that they too can provide for us like before.
Tsola David, Basic IV, UBTH Staff School, Benin, Edo State.

I Want Government To Improve On The Security
I want the government to improve on the security situation of the country. I would tell the government to change the security system in this country. I think there is insecurity in the country, also like the economy, the economy is bad, we do not have electricity.
Wealth Oni, Best Brain Academy, Rivers State.

Govt Should Reduce Price Of Food And Other Agro Commodities
I want the government to reduce price of food and other agro commodities. Based on what we are seeing now in Nigeria, I would want the government to change the inflation rate on the prices of goods. The President should open up the borders, so that more food can come into the country, because we are suffering, especially children across the country.
Larry Isaac, Best Brain Academy, Rivers State.

Our Leaders Should Reduce Crime Rate, Corruption
I feel bad with the current situation of Nigeria, which seems to be getting worse by the day.
The price of things are getting high every time, which not good enough for Nigeria, a country blessed by God.
As I am hoping for better days ahead, I want to appeal to the authorities concern to reduce the crime rate and corruption in the country, as well as the price of petroleum products because cost of living in Nigeria is becoming unbearable.
Nelson Ekoh,SSS 1, Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba, Delta State.

Our President Should Reduce Price Of Goods, Foodstuffs
DESPITE the hardship today, I’m feeling good about my country. Nigeria is a good country. The weather is good, and other natural resources are here for our use, but we are suffering while we should be happy enjoying what God has blessed us with.
So, let our President reduce the price of goods like biscuit to N50, and other food stuffs, including Rice for our parents to afford. 
Chinenye Anna Ibonye, JSS1, Isioma Onyeobi College, Asaba, Delta State.

Government Should Re-absorb Out-Of-School Children
NIGERIA is a great country and I am proud to be a citizen. God has blessed us with numerous natural resources; however, I feel we are not blessed with good leaders.
Some of our leaders are not kind-hearted. They rather mismanage our natural resources, steal them and leave the citizens in hunger.
Our leaders have failed to provide basic education to every child in this country. For instance in Kano, you will see many children roaming the streets begging for what to eat during school hours. I feel bad about it because they are our brothers. If I have the opportunity to go to school and they don’t, I really feel bad about that.
I think government should make sure the children roaming around should be assisted by taking them off the street and return them to school. And government should also go after the parents of those almajiris, arrest them and make sure they are compelled to train their children in school.
Fatima Abdullahi Ibrahim, JSS 3, Al-Absaar Academy, Kano.

I Want A Nigeria Where Kids Learn In A Conducive Environment
I strongly believe that with our potential, the future is bright. I want to see Nigerian highways functioning well, and devoid of kidnapping.
I want to see a Nigeria free of street kids roaming about fetching for food, a Nigeria where kids are immunised against dangerous diseases, and live healthy.
I want to see a Nigeria where parents are well paid for their labour, so that they could afford all the needs of the family, a Nigeria where kids get good education and learn in a conducive environment.
Salman AbdulHakeem, Basic 8, Bradford College Kano.

Teachers Should Be Fair To Their Students
I love Nigeria, although it is not actually the best place to be or the worst of places to live.
People are complaining that government doesn’t do her work to protect the people, however, they do not pay their taxes and are very unconcerned over government property.
Also, teachers should be fair to their students. they should not insult them because they want to go and ease themselves, it is not good. Government should also try to stop school bullying.
Éféòsa Osadebamwen, JSS 1, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Kuje, Abuja.

Political Office Holders Should Rise Up And Address Challenges Facing The Country
AS a Nigerian child, there are many challenges making things difficult and unbearable for our generation, which include poor learning environment, unaffordable school fees, unemployment for graduates, high cost of foodstuff and steady increase of fuel price, which has affected the standard of living of every common person, especially the Nigerian child.
So I use the occasion of this year’s children’s day to call on our President, Mr. Bola Tinubu, all the state Governors, the Local Council Chairmen and all the political office holders to rise up and address these issues, which are affecting all the families in Nigeria.
Favour Nnanna, SSS 3, Teens Press Club Academy Eziobodo, Owerri, Imo State.

We Need A Conducive Learning Environment Across Schools
THERE is need to create a conducive learning environment for children across the country, to easily comprehend their studies.
Government should provide shelter, textbooks, well equipped library, qualified teachers, put more money into the school feeding programme, as well as beef-up security in all the schools to prevent the incessant kidnapping of school children.
Glory Shekinar, SSS 2, Teens Press Club Academy, Eziobodo, Owerri, Imo State.

Provision Of Adequate Infrastructure In Schools Is Essential
WITH keen interest, I would like the government to build adequate infrastructure in our schools because most students learn under trees and sit on bare floor to learn. There is need for government to build and equip libraries for science students and employ qualified teachers, as well as good remuneration to enhance teaching of science subjects.
In most cases, the school buildings are dilapidated and the premises are overgrown with grasses, thus becoming a grazing zone for the herdsmen, thereby disrupting academic activities.
Pricewill Chukwuemeka, SSS 2, Teens Press Club Academy, Eziobodo, Owerri, Imo State.

I Want Government To Address High Cost Of Living
IN celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, we need government to address high cost of living. Look at the price of petrol, cooking gas, and even electricity. How many people can afford it and send their children to school at the same time. If the cost of goods is not high, people will easily send their children to any school of choice. I don’t think it will be nice to have a society that is filled with children who dropped out of school.
Prince Kosisochukwu, SS 2, Spring of Life International School, Enugu.

Cost Of Living Should Be Urgently Addressed
GOVERNMENT has not paid attention to issues affecting the children. It is not enough to mark the day every year, but what have you done to help the situation of the children? There are several things the government must do to help the children who are of course future leaders.
Excellence Osorachukwu, SSS 3, Spring of Life International School, Enugu.