Tag: Children’s Day

Celebrating Our Future Super Heroes: itel Mobile Surprises Children Nationwide

 

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To celebrate Children’s Day this year, Africa’s customer-centric brand, itel Mobile, treated children nationwide to special superhero themed parties, as part of the brands CSR Initiative tagged Love Always On.

The smartphone brand, who believes that today’s children are tomorrows superheroes, decided to make the annual celebration a day to remember for children, their parents, and their guardians.

The party was held on the 27th May 2019, joined by hundreds of children including pupils from different schools and communities across different cities from Lagos, Abuja, Yola, Onitsha, Ogbomosho, Kaduna and Port-Harcourt.

Featuring a beehive of fun activities like face-painting, carousel rides, football game, and lots of other exciting side attractions, including the brand’s Happy Mascot, iBoy, who came to the party in the company of other popular cartoon friends. itel Mobile tried its best to make sure all the children were happy and satisfied. Winners of the games got amazing gifts such as educational materials and branded gift bags.

 

That wasn’t all, there were more surprises prepared by itel for the children across the country. itel Mobile partnered with the largest television network in Nigeria, NTA, to bring the fun, games, and gifts to more than 2,500 children in Lagos state.

 

 

In Abuja, the brand partnered with Oma ventures to show the importance of giving love, attention, and affection to children in the IDP camp on the 23rd of May, 2019.

In Onitsha, itel Mobile celebrated the day with children in Red Cross orphanage home in partnership with Iknobert International Limited, EBI Father Communication and Royal Global Ink Communication on the 23rd of May, 2019.

 

 

In Ogbomosho, the brand in conjunction with Ajilete FM, Gbambari, and Tundex Multibiz Golden Venture on 23rd May 2019 showed love to children on this special day.

 

 

The students of Victory Academy in Kakuri, Kaduna were not left out of the love from itel Mobile on the 24th May 2019.

 

 

While the brand engaged children in career talks, heroic stories and exciting games in Jimeta, Yola on the 24th May 2019.

 

 

In Port Harcourt, itel Mobile in conjunction with JJ phones, Vinchino, Daniella best, treated physically challenged kids in PH city to a day of fun and thrills.

 

Commenting on the celebration, Oke Umurhowo, itel Mobiles Marketing Communications Manager, West Africa, said:

At itel Mobile, we believe children are our future heroes and every child has the potential to change the world if given the right motivation, and itel has always been concerned about children’s growth and education.

Our passion goes beyond creating a smartphone for everyone that is reliable and affordable. We aim to help as many children as possible tap into their full potential whilst helping them set goals and achieve their dreams.

Since established, itel Mobile has always believed in adding value to lives through its daily operations. With the CSR initiative Love Always On, the brand has carried out several philanthropic activities like donating relief items to communities in need, car rewards for customers, sensitization on safety precautions for KEKE drivers, amongst other rewarding sponsored events around the country.

Successful brands are not only defined by the size of the market they control but also by how impactful their presence in such markets has been to consumers an initiative itel Mobile thrives on, thereby setting the pace for other brands to follow.

To see even more pictures from the Children’s Day blast of fun, visit @itelMobileNG on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Children’s Day: UNICEF Inaugurates Campaign On Child’s Right

A school pupil marches during the Children’s Day celebration in Abuja on Monday May 27, 2019. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/ Channels TV

 

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in commemoration of 2019 Children’s day has inaugurated a campaign to create awareness about the rights of children in Nigerian society.

UNICEF’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Peter Hawkins, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The campaign tagged ‘For every child, every right’ is aimed at drawing attention to the human rights of the Nigerian child.

READ ALSO: Children’s Day Celebration In Pictures

Hawkins said that while there have been many innovations over the last few years, children in Nigeria were still not accessing health, nutrition, education and other amenities as they ought to.

“While there have been many advances over the last years, children in Nigeria are still not accessing health, nutrition, education and other rights to the extent that they must.

“Sadly, it is the most disadvantaged children who are suffering the greatest challenge in having their rights fulfilled,” he said.

This year’s Children’s Day falls during the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is being commemorated this year around the world.

As part of the celebrations, UNICEF is launching a “Passport to Your Rights” – a copy of the CRC in child-friendly language, in pocket format.

Hawkins added that UNICEF aims that every child in Nigeria has a copy by 2030 – the deadline for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The CRC ‘passport’ will also be available in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages, helping to ensure access by millions of Nigerians.

“Thirty years ago, something incredible happened. World leaders came together in a moment of unity for the world’s children. They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfill their rights, by adopting the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“The Convention established childhood as a period that is separate from adulthood – a time in which children should grow, learn, play, develop and flourish.

“We want to see every Nigerian child have that kind of childhood.

“On this Nigerian Children’s Day, we must look ahead to the future of childhood in this country, and re-commit to urgent, specific actions to protect the rights of every child – now, and in future generations,” Hawkins said.

Children’s Day Celebration In Pictures

Children’s Day parade in Abuja. Photos: Sodiq Adelakun/ Channels TV

 

It’s Children’s Day! and children world over, are being celebrated.

Just like in other major cities around the country, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, children converged on the Old Parade Ground, adorned in colourful costumes to mark their day with march pasts and other activities.

‘We Stand With You’ – Saraki, Atiku And Others Celebrate Nigerian Children

 

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have celebrated Nigerian Children on this year’s Children’s Day.

Both Atiku and Saraki took to their Twitter pages to recognise the great strides that children across the country have made.

They also assured the children that the government will make sure they are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nigerian children have been in the international headlines recently for exceptional achievements despite all odds. These shining lights are just an example of the potential in you, our children. Happy Children’s Day,” Atiku wrote.

Saraki, on the other hand, twitted “Today, our nation celebrates it’s future — our children; our most important national treasure. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that all Nigerian children are empowered to aspire to achieve greatness”.

The Senate President also called on Nigerians to remember Leah Sharibu and other missing children who for various reasons would not be spending the special day with their friends and loved ones.

“On #ChildrensDay2019, we remember Leah Sharibu, and all other young Nigerian children who will be commemorating this important day without their loved ones. We commit them into our prayers, and continue to call for their unequivocal release,” he wrote.

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregebsola, also celebrated with the Children.

Students Celebrate Children’s Day Across Nigeria

Children's Day parade in Abuja. Photos: Sodiq Adelakun/ Channels TV
Children’s Day parade in Abuja. Photos: Sodiq Adelakun/ Channels TV

 

Nigerian children joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate the Children’s Day which holds annually on May 27.

In many cities across the country, most students marked the day with special outings, march pasts, among other activities. More photos Here

Beyond the celebrations, it is also a day in which organisations analyse the plight of children in the society and the efforts by government and non-government agencies to improve their welfare.

In recent times, issues such as child labour, kidnapping, molestation among others, which have led to an increasing number of out of school children have been on the front burner with child rights activists intensifying efforts to give children a voice.

READ ALSO: ‘We Stand With You’ – Saraki, Atiku And Others Celebrate Nigerian Children

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to celebrate the children, Channels Television is hosting the finale of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, the Channels International Kids Cup, today.

LIVE UPDATES: Channels Kids Cup Final

 

The final match of the Channels International Kids Cup Season 11, is currently ongoing at the Campos Square, Lagos.

Following a series of activities at the Agege Stadium in Lagos, two finalists emerged on Saturday – Adetunji Primary School from Kwara State and Banham Primary School from Rivers.

Emerging in the third place after today’s match, was Samfra School from Lagos who beat their Benin Republic counterpart, Ecole Eveil.

 

 

Stay with us for the live updates on the final match to see who wins this year’s cup.

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15:04 pm: Goodluck Destiny from Edo State, found a phone and N2,000 and reported to the camp commandant.

He is rewarded with N50,000 cash and a N50,000 worth of phone by the newly elected chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi.

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15:21 pm: Final match begins.

15:23 pm: First attempt by Rivers was fired off target.

15:27 pm: Rivers player brought down, it’s free-kick against Kwara.

15:40 pm: It’s half time: Rivers -1 Kwara – 0.

 

15: 41 pm: Goodluck Destiny gets N100k cash for honesty. Read More

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15: 43 pm:  9-year-old saxophonist, Similayo Abodunrin entertains the crowd with beautiful renditions.

Similayo Abodunrin

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Football Association says it will engage Timilayo in all its activities. Read More

15:55 pm: Second half of the final match commences.

16:16 pm: Full time complete.

Barham Primary school beat Adetunji Primary School with one goal to emerge the champions.

Read Also:  Banham Primary School Rivers Win Channels Kids Cup

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16:30 pm: Prizes and Awards are being shared.

 

And that’s all for this year’s Channels International Kids Cup.

Thank you for staying with us.

Ooni Warns Against Increasing Population, Tells FG To Control Birth Rate

 

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 on Monday cautioned that the Federal Government should control the birth rate in the country or be prepared to face the consequences occasioned by overpopulation.

The Traditional Ruler said it is unfortunate that at the rate Nigerians give birth without adequate enlightenment about birth control, the population of children alone in the next few years will hit 80 per cent of the nation’s entire population.

A development which he believes may spell disaster for the nation.

Ooni Ogunwusi said this at the Ile Odua when he played host to children from over 80 public and private schools from across Ile-Ife town in Osun state in commemoration of the Children’s Day.

 

Read Also: Ambode, Donald Duke Seek More Funding As Lagos Population Expands

Ooni Ogunwusi said, “I thank God for keeping our children intact in all they have been doing, the truth be told, as a nation we are not mindful of these children enough especially as regards their future, we should be celebrating them every day, not only on a day set aside for them. “he said.

“if you look at the demography of today, 60 per cent of the entire population today is below the age of 30. They are growing very fast, nobody is giving them any sense of belonging or instilling hope in them. Nobody is selling the products Nigeria to them, the only time they sell Nigeria to them is when they are in school.

 

“We need to be very serious in this country. Over 120 million Nigerians are less than 30 years old – that is saying something to us in this country, it’s about time for our leaders to get serious.

“Nobody is talking about birth control in Nigeria and that is a huge keg of gunpowder which we are all sitting on”.

Speaking further, he said as a viable solution, the Federal Government should create a special budget for manpower developments because according to him there are deeper problems in the nation beyond just claiming to spend money on infrastructure.

“Every weekend, weddings are being celebrated and nobody is celebrating these children, the rate at which we are having these young children is very alarming. My point is, its about time we let them know the country belongs to them. Let them feel the impulse of what Nigeria is all about.”

“It’s about time to create a special budget for manpower developments in this country, we are just talking about spending money on infrastructure and feeding ourselves, we have a deeper problem and that is who is selling the product Nigeria to these children.

“Our leaders should know that we are heading towards a major crisis in this nation if we do not create a special budget for these children. The rate at which we are producing children in this nation is alarming, very soon they will exceed 60 per cent and become 80percent that is under 30years population and that is about 160 million for children Alone and who is taking care of them and seeing to their wellbeing?

“It’s about time government does something so these children will not fight back “The Ooni stressed.

Nigerians Celebrate Children’s Day

Students in Osun State in commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day displayed colourful Calisthenics.
Students in Osun State in commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day displayed colourful Calisthenics.

 

Nigerian children have joined their counterparts all over the world to mark the 2018 children’s day celebration.

President Muhammadu Buhari in his children’s day message reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection and overall welfare of children across the nation.

He said the Children’s Day is a day to “reflect on our roles and responsibilities as Parents and Leaders towards our children and assess how far we have fared in this regard.”

According to the President, Nigerian leaders are committed to ensuring that children are protected from violence and exploitation. He also noted that the government is committed to creating environments safe enough for them to pursue their educational attainments, discover their full potentials to grow into responsible citizens.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki in a series of tweets highlighted some challenges confronting Nigerian children, promising that the Senate is doing all possible to curb them.

The Senate President revealed that Nigeria has one of the highest rate of infant mortality in the world and also has one of the highest number of out-of-school children in the world.

READ ALSO: Governor Ambode Makes Ceremonial Kick-Off At Channels Kids Cup Final

“Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. This is unacceptable — education is the passport to the future of this country. Our vision is to see to the attainment of 100% education rate for all Nigerian children age 12 and below.

“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world. Now that we have increased the funding available for basic health care, we hope that we can begin to reverse this narrative.

“We are developing a framework that will address the issues faced by our children covering healthcare, security, education and their welfare,” he said.

However, students in Osun State in commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day displayed colourful Calisthenics at the Osogbo stadium in the state capital.

The governor, Rauf Aregbesola assured the children that the state government would continue to give priority to education in the state.

In Edo State, the children assembled at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Complex and marched in colourful sportswear to the admiration of officials at the event.

Kwara state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed in his Children’s Day address urged parents to spend more time with their children and wards in order to ensure a better society and an assured future for the children.

He said the celebration reminds not only leaders at all levels of the need to prioritise the welfare of every Nigerian child but parents the need to spend more valuable time with children.

Many other Nigerians, however, expressed worry over the fate of the yet to be released Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu. With the hashtag #FreeLeahSharibu they express worry in the various post on social media over incessant killings, security challenges and called for the release of the schoolgirl who is currently still in Boko Haram custody.

We Remain Committed To The Welfare, Protection Of Children – Buhari

Buhari Receives Girl Who Donated To His Campaign, Others
File photo (2017): Buhari Receives Girl Who Donated To His Campaign, Others.

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection and overall welfare of children across the nation.

In a statement made available on May 27 (Children’s Day), he said this year’s celebration themed “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility” is an opportunity to promote the safety and security of the children.

The President also stated that it is a day to “reflect on our roles and responsibilities as Parents and Leaders towards our children” and assess how far we have fared in this regard.

“As a responsible Government, we are committed to ensuring that children are protected from violence and exploitation against them, and, that their environments are safe enough for them to pursue their educational attainments, discover their full potentials to grow into responsible citizens.”

Speaking further, he scored his administration high, stating that it has recorded measurable success particularly in the home-grown school feeding programme.

According to the president, over 8.2 million children in 24 states of the Federation benefit from the programme.

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to also support the cause.

President Buhari also recalled his encounter with three children while he was on medical vacation in 2017.

He said he was very impressed by their deeds which in turn strengthened his administration’s resolve to ensure that all children are physically and intellectually prepared for the future.

“I am always inspired and encouraged when I remember encounters I had with three of our young ones. When I was on medical vacation in 2017, three-year-old Maya Jammal recorded a prayer for my recovery, which went viral online.

“Also, 10-year-old Aisha Aliyu Gebbi wrote a personal letter to me, describing herself as my “biggest fan”.

“Nicole Benson, then 12 years old, had contributed the sum of Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira and Eighty-Five kobo (N5,700.85) to my campaign in 2015. The money was all saved up from her lunch and pocket allowance. There are millions of such children nationwide.

“I am very impressed by what our children have been able to do, and what the future holds for them. That is one reason why we are committed to the school feeding programme, to prepare a future generation of physically and intellectually robust children. At the last count, over 8.2 million children in 24 states of the Federation are being given free meals daily. This happens in 45,000 schools around the country.

“I, therefore, call on all stakeholders to support this programme to ensure that all the 36 States of the Federation and FCT are covered. This will promote substantially higher enrolment levels in our schools,” he said.

He also mentioned other critical steps the administration has taken to address issues of child protection, participation and survival.

He said, “In 2015, the campaign to end violence against children was launched which was commemorated in 2016. In November 2016, the Campaign to End Child Marriage was also launched to ensure that as many children as possible can fully enjoy their childhood and be protected from all the challenges associated with this phenomenon.

“These campaigns have been reinforced with sensitization campaigns in some States of the Federation.”

Furthermore, as part of efforts to prevent abuse, exploitation and trafficking as well as provide safe, non-violent inclusive and effective learning environment in schools, Buhari said his administration has directed the management of all Federal Government Colleges as well as state-owned schools across the country to provide adequate safety measures for their students.

He also called on families, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and the society at large to rise up and take urgent and decisive actions to stem the unacceptable rising cases of violence against our children.

Buhari also appealed to parents not to relent in their efforts to send their wards to school and called on security agencies to redouble their efforts in protecting children.

He said, “We must ensure the safety of our children in homes, schools, markets, worship centres, on the streets and everywhere at all times.

“Furthermore, let me use this medium to appeal to parents not to relent in their efforts to send their wards to school, especially the girl child as her education reduces infant and maternal mortality and prevents early and child marriages. It also increases literacy and reduces poverty. The saying that to educate a woman is to educate the nation is very apt in this regard.

“Finally, while I appreciate the security agencies for their efforts so far, I urge them to redouble their efforts in protecting children from danger and violence in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Child Rights Acts, 2003.

“Once again, happy Children’s Day”.

Nigeria Celebrates Children’s Day

May 27th has been observed as children’s day in Nigeria. The 2017 edition coincides with the 91st global celebration of the rights and well-being of children.

Various activities including rallies and match past by school children were held in different parts of the country, drawing attention to the need for collective action against child abuse.

In line with this year’s theme which hinges on child protection and the sustainable development goals, UNICEF has called for urgent action to adopt the Child Rights Act and to heed the President’s call to end violence against children.

It is reported that millions of Nigerian children suffer some form of physical, emotional or sexual violence.

Kogi State

In Kogi State, the government also called on parents and other stakeholders in the affairs of children to intensify their effort in ensuring the realisation of Child Right Law in order to make them useful in the society.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba who made the call during the children’s day celebration in Lokoja, the State Capital said it is time Nigerians should complement government effort in protecting children against vies that are inimical to their future.

Ondo State

Also in Ondo State, the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu appealed to parents, teachers and guardians to avoid being violent before their children so that they don’t grow up to become violent in future.

Furthermore, he residents that both the federal the state governments are taking bold steps in ensuring that the rights of the children are adequately protected.

Lagos State

In Lagos state, the Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode reassured Lagosians that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the six pupils of the Government Model College, Igbonla in Epe who were kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday, are rescued unhurt.

According to him, the children’s day celebration would not be complete without rescuing the innocent pupils.

Ambode, therefore, noted that top security arrangement was on course to guarantee their safety, pledging that his government would stop at nothing to ensure that kidnapping and other criminal activities are put to an end in schools.

Edo State

Meanwhile, in Edo State, the government says it will from September 2017, commence the use of computers and tablets for teaching students, as part of measures to improve the educational standard of public schools.

Children’s Day: Ambode Vows To Rescue Kidnapped School Pupils

Lagos To Embark On Infrastructure DevelopmentLagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday reassured Lagosians that the State Government would do everything possible to ensure that the six pupils of the Government Model College, Igbonla in Epe who were kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday are rescued unhurt and reunited with their parents.

Governor Ambode, who gave the assurance at the 2017 Children’s Day celebration held at the Agege Stadium, said the celebration would not be complete without rescuing those innocent pupils safely and bringing them back to school to continue their education.

He said top security arrangement was on course to guarantee their safety, pledging that his government would stop at nothing to ensure that kidnapping and other criminal activities are put to an end in schools.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Governor Ambode said that his administration was committed to protecting children in the state from any form of abuse, child labour or molestation by religiously implementing the Child Right Law and the Executive Order on Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

“It is important to protect our children today so that they can protect us tomorrow,” he stated.

The governor described this year’s children’s day celebration as a unique one as the state is equally celebrating its 50th year anniversary.

He, therefore, called on children to remain focused, believe in themselves and set targets that would make them attain greatness in life, promising that his government will continue to create opportunities and implement policies that would help them to become the best of what they can.

“As we celebrate this year’s children’s day and the 50th anniversary of our state, I want you to believe that you too can achieve greatness. You must believe in yourself and in your dreams. Very soon, it will be your responsibility to take Lagos State to the level that we all desired in the next 50 years. You are agents of change and I urge you, do not just go through life, make a difference, impact life and affect your community – What we are doing today is to lay a solid foundation for you to build on,” he said.

The Governor, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to repositioning public schools to meet world class standards, said that his administration in the last two years had invested heavily in infrastructural and manpower development in public schools, the effort which according to him, is yielding positive results as it has restored confidence in public schools.

“As a government, we recognize our responsibility to create opportunities for you to become the best you can be without any barrier, this is why in the last two years, we have invested massively in the infrastructural and manpower development in our public schools. Our plan which is being realized is to restore public confidence in our public schools,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Adeshina Odeyemi, noted that the education sector has undergone tremendous transformations since the creation of the state, adding that the number of secondary schools had increased from 55 at the creation of the state in 1967 with a total students population of 19,538 to 679 public secondary schools at present with over 564,758 students population.

Odeyemi noted that in spite of the current global melt down and general economic recession in the country, the Lagos State Government has continued to run free education policy from primary to secondary schools level and pay for the WAEC fees of its graduating students till date.

The Permanent Secretary who noted that the allocation of a huge sum of 205.8 billion Naira to the education sector in the year 2016 and 2017 budget was a confirmation of government’s genuine commitment to the development of education in the state.

The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the Children’s day cake by the Deputy Governor with other members of the State Executive Council.

Plateau Marks Children’s Day Celebration After Five Years

The Plateau State Government has celebrated children’s day for the first time in over five years due to the crisis in the state and the fear of exposing the children to unnecessary attack and molestation.

As peace gradually returns to the state, the Rwang Pam Township Stadium played host to primary and secondary school students as they commemorated this year’s event.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rufina Gurumyen, expressed gratitude to the State Governor, for giving the children the opportunity to celebrate the special day.

“We thank the executive governor of Plateau State, for giving us this time once more to celebrate the children on the Plateau because, for so many years, this celebration has not held.”

Meanwhile, as children across the country mark the children’s day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for their protection against violence.