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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for a collective efforts of relevant stakeholders to protect children who are Nigeria’s treasures.
Speaking at the National Children’s Day celebration held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Governor Radda shared both his government’s achievements and vision for Nigeria’s children.
“Children are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are the treasures of today. Their laughter, dreams, and innocence remind us of the values we must protect and the future we must build,” said the Governor.
The Governor emphasized the significance of the celebration, stating: “This day is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to provide children with the right environment to grow, learn, and thrive.”
Governor Radda equally added, “Children are the carriers of the futures of all nations. They embody the collective hopes and visions of humanity. Therefore, it is fitting that we dedicate a day to celebrate children.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s cultural values, Governor Radda observed: “In Nigeria, children are regarded across all cultures and religions as a precious gift and a symbol of the future. It is the collective responsibility of all communities to safeguard these torchbearers of tomorrow by creating a safer world for them through peace, poverty eradication, and universal access to education.”
“This year’s celebration is not just symbolic; it is a powerful call to action. It serves as a reminder that the well-being, education, and empowerment of every Nigerian child—whether boy or girl, from the city or the village—must remain at the heart of our national development agenda,” the Governor declared.
Governor Radda noted that no child should be denied an education because of gender, poverty, conflict, or location. We remain committed to removing these barriers, one by one, until every child in Katsina—and indeed all of Nigeria—can learn, grow, and thrive in peace and dignity.
Furthermore, the Governor outlined his administration’s impressive accomplishments, declaring: “Since assuming office, our administration has achieved remarkable milestones in child education, health, and welfare.”
“Through the Girl Education Development Initiative, over 104,000 girls across 255 secondary schools have benefitted from conditional cash transfers and essential learning materials, helping to reduce dropout rates and boost enrollment,” said Governor Radda.
In healthcare, Governor Radda reporte, “Over 2.2 million children were immunized during a statewide measles vaccination campaign, and N200 million was invested in the UNICEF Nutrition Program to support malnourished children.”
“To empower the next generation with practical skills, our administration trained 2,000 students in bag production and vocational skills. We also ensured the full payment of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS exam fees for all secondary school students, demonstrating our dedication to academic excellence,” the Governor highlighted.
“To our dear children: You are our pride and our future. We celebrate your energy, curiosity, laughter, and strength. We believe in you, and we work every day to build a world where your dreams can come true,” he added.
Governor Radda expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders, for their unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare of our children.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, who represented Hajia Zainab Musawa, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, described children as leaders, innovators, and caretakers of tomorrow, adding that the foundation we lay today will determine the strength and prosperity of our society in the years to come.
Hajiya Ummulkhairi called for renewed commitment, stating: “As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that every child in Katsina State has access to quality education, healthcare, security, and a safe environment to grow and thrive. Let us listen to their voices, support their dreams, and invest in their futures.”
The Permanent Secretary extended a special invitation to Governor Radda ro attend the special reception organized for orphans and children with special needs scheduled to take place by 4:00 pm at Children’s Park, GRA, Katsina.
The celebration was attended top government officials, heads of government agencies, stakeholders and children across schools in Katsina.
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