The former Commissioner For Culture and Tourism in Kogi State, Hon Ugbede Paul Ebije has joined the government of Kogi State and worthy parents to celebrate with the children of Kogi State on the Ocassion of Children’s Day ( May 27).
Hon Ugbede Paul Ebije who wishes children of Kogi state happy celebration amid covid-19 pandemic also emphaised that children form an integral part of any society and as such they should be given all the support they need to excell.
Hon Ebije who was nostalgic about speaking of his childhood said he cheerish children so much due to their innocent nature on the issues of life
He speaks Further, “the idea of a Universal Children’s Day was mooted by Rubab Mansoor grade 8 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954.
First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children.
It was also chosen as the day to celebrate childhood”.
He mentioned that in his days, “all the local schools go to their local stadium where each school has a special march which they perform.
The school with the best marching performance wins the honour for that year”.
He said studies from his social studies book indicated that, “May 27 is traditionally the Children’s Holiday in Nigeria. First established by the United Nations in 1964, the day remains important in the lives of many Nigerian kids.
On this day every year, children are granted a holiday while several social activities are centered on them
Excused from school, most kids converge on stadiums and centers to commemorate the event”.
Hon Ugbede Paul Ebije however regretted how Covid-19 has restricted this year children’s day to a low key but encouraged parents in Kogi States to give the needed attention to their children’s demand in order for them to attain greater height.
He said, ” information from UNICEF as at 2010 states that 6,332,000 childbirths occur in Nigeria annually.
Out of this figure, Kogi State represents 4.8% and by interpretation, Kogi State is a force to be reckoned with in terms of Children’s Day celebration”.
He expressly said that” when parents claim they are seriously busy, children can often spend more time with unpredictable maids, unrated media content and their peers than with their parents.
This often instills bad influences into their lives and is the cause of misconduct”.
He added that “as we celebrate another children’s day, parents should sincerely evaluate their parent-child relationships.
If in doubt that their efforts are adequate or that the children are heading in the right direction, they should make proper amendments.
They should do these things knowing that vagabonds do not grow from the soil and neither do terrorists fall from the sky”.
On a finally note, Hon Ugbede Paul Ebije congratulated the children of Kogi State, the parents and the government of Kogi State for witnessing another children’s Day.
