Children Day: Buhari Celebrates With Young Nigerians

Muhammadu Buhari

"Ancient values still matter in life..."

The ancient truths of integrity, honesty, knowledge, and hard work are the cornerstones of destiny, according to President Muhammadu Buhari, who on Saturday urged Nigerian parents and children to hold onto them despite the changing circumstances.

Femi Adesina, the President's Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, revealed this in a statement.

"On this special day, we are immensely grateful to God for another opportunity to celebrate our children on May 27th, 2023. Every Children's Day reminds us of the future and the necessary sacrifices and building blocks by parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and Government to secure our greatest assets on earth, the YOUNGER ONES.

"As a father and grandfather, I share in the joy that children bring into our lives and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. And I also feel the pain of loss, anxiety, and frustration that comes with uncertain times, like the disruptions to families due to insecurity, which we have worked hard to contain in the last eight years.

"We must not lose hope, and our faith should be rekindled in the ability of the Government to safeguard the future of our lives and children. In eight years, we have focused on children, negotiating and fighting for the release of many that were taken captive, and painstakingly building intelligence on the whereabouts of others. Some have been released; more will come, by God's grace, as the next administration continues on the same noble path," Buhari assured.

The President advised parents to maintain their focus on discipline while treating their kids with respect.

"Every child is special and should be specially treated with dignity.

"At the twilight of this administration, we are thankful for all the support we have received from parents, government officials, development partners, professionals, and religious leaders in realizing some of our targets, like the school feeding programme, resuscitation of the primary health care system, and protecting our schools by the security agencies.

For the sake of the children, the President highlighted that efforts should be focused on laying the foundation for continued unity, peace, and prosperity.

"At over eighty years of age, and served the country all my working life, I still believe our children hold the keys to a brighter future for Nigeria, with these three undeniable and unchangeable truths; fear of God is supreme, love for knowledge is elevating, and hard work will always pay off.

"Happy Children's Day, and God bless our children," Buhari said, felicitating with parents, children and guardians.