As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating Children’s Day 2025, Awoyomi Damilola, the team lead of the Strom Foundation, has highlighted that targeted empowerment initiatives for children are essential in addressing Africa’s annual $3.3 trillion skills deficit. Damilola shared this insight in a statement commemorating this year’s Children’s Day celebration. While speaking at a special program held at Government Junior Secondary School, Apo Resettlement, Damilola pointed out that investing in the mental and practical development of young individuals is pivotal to driving sustainable progress across the African continent. He stressed that equipping children with relevant skills from an early age does not only promote academic excellence but also contributes significantly to long-term socio-economic development in both Nigeria and Africa at large. “Africa loses about $3.3 trillion each year due to a growing skills gap, with the continent ranking lowest in global education indicators,” Damilola stated, referencing data from the United Nations. “Our youth are the continent’s greatest assets. If we envision a brighter future, we must commit to shaping stronger, more capable minds today.” In the official statement, Damilola further emphasized the need to inspire African children to aspire towards greatness, support their educational journey through the provision of learning materials, and link outstanding young talents with long-term mentorship programs that can guide their personal and academic development.
On the occasion of Children’s Day, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, has called on government institutions, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to intensify their collective efforts in eliminating child abuse and trafficking throughout the state. During a public address on Tuesday, Dr. Suleiman emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding the well-being and legal rights of children. “It is imperative that government bodies, humanitarian organizations, and human rights defenders remain proactive and respond decisively whenever cases involving the abuse or exploitation of children are brought to light,” the Speaker stated. He further reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enforcing strict penalties against perpetrators, stressing that such actions would serve as a deterrent and reaffirm the rule of law. “As legal custodians, we are obligated to ensure that individuals involved in trafficking or abuse face full legal consequences. This reinforces the principle of justice and acts as a preventive mechanism,” he added. Dr. Suleiman also appealed to parents and guardians to prioritize the emotional and physical needs of their children, urging them to provide nurturing environments rooted in compassion. “Children are divine blessings and deserve to be treated with unwavering love and support,” he emphasized. He warned against neglecting children or sending them away without appropriate provisions and supervision. The Speaker called on families and communities not to isolate or abandon survivors of abuse or sexual assault, highlighting the need for collective healing and psychosocial support. Additionally, Dr. Suleiman noted that the Bauchi State House of Assembly has enacted various child-focused legislative bills, all of which have been signed into law by the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed. “We are fully dedicated to promoting policies that enhance child welfare in Bauchi State. Our Assembly remains steadfast in partnering with stakeholders to create legislation that uplifts the lives of children within and beyond the state,” he concluded.
