BY NSEOBONG DAVID
Children’s Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world to honor children globally. The day was set aside to encourage nations of the world to devote a special day for the promotion of the welfare of children as well as provide platforms for interaction and understanding among children.
Here in Nigeria, May 27 of every year is dedicated to celebrate children. In Akwa Ibom State, the government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has rolled out series of events to mark this year’s celebration in a unique style.
With the theme: Child Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Issues and Opportunities, the event began with a Solemn Assembly on Wednesday, 17th May 2017 at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, where the children took time to thank God for the gift of children, even as they prayed for the grace to nurture them to be responsible citizens and adults.
They also interceded for cordial relationship between parents and children and among siblings; safety of schools as centres of learning, as well as deliverance and restoration of the vulnerable, abused and stigmatized children through effective rehabilitation and integration, while calling on heaven to bless the President, Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and all those placed in positions of authority over the affairs of children in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Delivering his sermon on the topic: The Unstoppable Child, the Minister in Charge, Rev. Obong N. Obong described that the unstoppable child is any child who grows like Jesus to fulfill his/her purpose in life. He admonished the children to emulate the Biblical Samuel and learn to grow in the fear of God in order to become unstoppable in their endeavours, while urging parents to always create an enabling environment of love, peace and justice at home for their children.
Referring to Luke 2:52, Rev. Obong declared that just like Jesus grew in wisdom and stature as well as in favour with God and man, the grace to grow like Jesus would rest on all the children.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet appreciated God for making the events to mark the 2017 children’s day celebration a huge success as well as His protection on the children in their various schools.
Dr. Edet used the occasion to thank Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife, Mrs. Martha for their friendly dispositions towards the children in the state, especially those in the government homes, as well as implementing the Child’s Right Law, and prayed God’s blessings upon them.
The Commissioner thanked the school teachers for bringing out the children to intercede for their families, the state and the country at large and therefore urged the children to always remain unstoppable in their services to God and man.
In another development, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet led the children to a thanksgiving service on Sunday 21st May 2017, at Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Mbiaobong Anyanya, Uyo.
In his homily, the officiating Minister, His Lordship, Bishop P. J. Udokang admonished parents to be careful of being a negative influence on their children, adding that nothing good can come out from a corrupt system.
Taking his text from Ephesians 6:1-2, the cleric advised parents and caregivers to always guard against provoking their children to anger, but bring them up in the fear of God. He also urged children to be obedient to their parents so as to secure a better future for themselves.
Speaking on behalf of the State Governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the Women Affairs and Social Welfare boss, Dr. Glory Edet reiterated government’s efforts in prosecuting offenders of the Child’s Right Law in the state. She said that the enforcement of the law is in full force and warned those who engage in activities capable of thwarting the future of children in the State to desist from the act forthwith.
Dr. Edet emphasized on the need for children protection, stating that no meaningful development can take place without the children as future leaders. She called on adults to ensure fairness and equity in handling children, irrespective of their status.
The event featured special prayers for the children, parents, the Government and the country. However, there was a Special thanksgiving by the children of Akwa Ibom State led by the honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Emmanuel Edet.
Those in attendance included the honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien, member representing Nsit Ibom in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mfon Ekong, Directors from the Women Affairs Ministry, Senior Citizens, women groups and school children among others.
The week-long event featured an Essay Writing Competition among Schools in the state, Debate Competition and Children’s Parliament Sitting yesterday, Monday, May 22nd, 2017 and will continue with a Children’s Party on May 24th, 2017 by the Governor’s wife at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo by 2.00pm and will climax with a Match Past on May 27th, 2017 by School Children across the state at the Uyo Township Stadium.
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