Jonathan reiterates commitment to better future for Nigerian children

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday in Abuja reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to institute necessary reforms that would better the lives of Nigerian children.

Cultural dance by children at the Children Day Celebration organised by Close Up at the University of Lagos Yaba Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe

In an address at the 2011 Children’s Day Celebration, the president, represented by the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, said the administration would improve its investment in Nigerian children to guarantee the country’s future.

He said government would institute necessary reforms that would make it accountable, tackle disparities and wage war against malaria as well as the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“We will also try to secure gender equality and reduce violence in our society, through adequate security arrangements.

“We will build on the virtues of love and respect for one another, pursue unity, promote and reward hard work, with no room for indolence, ’’ he added.

Jonathan stressed the need for Nigerian children to be able to access good and quality education as well as enjoy good healthcare.

He urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the creation of a Nigeria that was fit for all, most especially the children; “a Nigeria in which all children are given love, care and the nurturing required to make a good start in life”.

The president pledged that his administration would provide necessary opportunities and enabling
environment for children to develop their potential that would enable them to grow into responsible and
productive adults.

“This is the kind of Nigeria that our children deserve; and this is the kind of social system that we owe it a duty to provide to the people,” he added.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, had earlier said that this year’s Children’s Day was a special one, because it coincided with the inauguration of Jonathan to lead the country for the next four years.

She appreciated the wonderful foundation laid by the president to enable the children to realise their potential.

The FCT Minister, who was supported at the occasion by the Mayor of Dallas, U.S.A, Mr Dwayne Caraway, gave out scholarship awards to five Nigerian children for one week training in U.S.A.

The children are from Regina Pacis College, Al-Rahman School, School for the Deaf, Government Secondary School, Area 11 and Tintsel International School, Abuja.

Caraway is in Nigeria for the presidential inauguration. (NAN)