CHILDREN’S DAY: LAGOS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT AT 2025 GRAND CELEBRATION
Read Time:3 Minute, 23 Second
By Oduola F.A.
In commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders through an elaborate celebration held on Monday, May 27, 2025, at the Police College Ground in Ikeja.
The event, which marked the climax of a week-long series of activities, brought together thousands of school children from across the state. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reiterated the administration’s steadfast dedication to the protection, education, and holistic development of every child in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the theme of the celebration: “Children: Our Future and Our Responsibility.” She described the occasion as a reminder of the collective duty of parents, guardians, educators, and government to foster a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for children to thrive.
“We must encourage them to dream big, to ask questions, and to believe in their limitless potential—particularly in this age of artificial intelligence,” she said.
The governor’s message emphasized the significance of ongoing reforms in the education sector, stating that the state has invested in modern classrooms, digital learning tools, and teacher training programs to guarantee access to quality education, irrespective of background or ability.
“We continue to strengthen child protection laws and support systems to safeguard our children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect,” the statement added.
Delivering the welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, noted that the celebration was not only about fun but also a moment of reflection and responsibility. “We are reminding ourselves of our duties. That’s what we are here to do today, and you can see the children are happy. They are given the chance to display their skills and showcase their wins across competitions,” he said. He urged students to take their education seriously, reminding them that the government cares deeply about their development and sees them as the future leaders of the nation.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, congratulated the children and advised them to steer clear of vices such as drug abuse and cultism, which could jeopardize their future. His goodwill message underscored the state’s broader youth development agenda.
The event featured vibrant displays, a symbolic parade and march-past by various school groups, including the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Scout, Army Day Secondary School, and Nigerian Navy Secondary School, among others. Despite an earlier downpour, the children marched with enthusiasm and pride, saluting the dignitaries in attendance as part of the grand celebration.
A symbolic registration of new Nursery and Primary One pupils into public schools was also conducted during the event by the governor’s representative, symbolizing the state’s continuous investment in foundational education.
The 2025 Children’s Day celebration was the culmination of a week of activities organized by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. It kicked off on Tuesday, May 20, with a Youth Forum and Career Talk held at the Education Resource Centre (ERC) Hall. This was followed by a debate and cultural exhibition on Wednesday, a Jumat service on Friday, and a special thanksgiving service on Sunday, leading into the grand parade and rally held on Monday.
Other notable attendees included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, and Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, the Special Assistant to the Governor. The event was further enriched by the participation of Tutors-General/Permanent Secretaries from the various Education Districts, as well as directors from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and other strategic agencies working to advance the educational sector.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the celebration. She encouraged continued collaboration to support and uplift every child in Lagos.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0