As Nigeria celebrates this year’s Children’s Day, I join millions of parents, guardians, teachers, and leaders across the country in celebrating our children, the precious gifts, hope, and future of our nation.
Children remain one of God’s greatest blessings to humanity. The Holy Bible reminds us in Psalm 127:3 that “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” In the same spirit, the Holy Qur’an teaches that children are among the beautiful blessings and adornments of life granted by Almighty Allah to mankind.
These divine teachings remind us that every child deserves love, protection, guidance, opportunity, and a peaceful society where their dreams can flourish.
Today is not only a celebration of children, but also a moment of reflection for parents, leaders, and society on the responsibility we owe the younger generation. The future of Nigeria depends greatly on how well we nurture, educate, protect, and inspire our children today.
I therefore pray for every parent across Nigeria, may God continue to strengthen you with wisdom, patience, good health, and provision as you raise the next generation of leaders, innovators, peacemakers, and nation builders.
To our children, I encourage you to remain disciplined, respectful, hardworking, and focused on your education and dreams. Never allow the challenges around you to diminish your greatness or your hope for a better tomorrow. You are the light of Nigeria’s future and the pride of our nation.
As a people, we must continue to create an environment where every child, regardless of background, religion, or ethnicity, can grow in peace, dignity, unity, and equal opportunity.
I believe strongly that the dreams we hold for Nigeria can only become reality when we invest in the wellbeing and future of our children.
On this special occasion, I wish every child in Nigeria a joyful, memorable, and inspiring Children’s Day celebration.
May God bless our children, bless every family, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Happy Children’s Day.
H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu
DG/CEO, National Institute for Sports (NIS)
