Government at all levels has advised to prioritise policies and allocate resources that address the needs of children so as to ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and social support systems.
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This is as parents were advised to
instill moral values, discipline, empathy in their children so as to make them responsible citizens who contribute to the growth and progress of our great nation.
The pieces of advice were giving by
Mrs. Barbara Osobajo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Edo State, at an event to commemorate the 2023 Children’s Day.
The theme of this year’s Children Day was ‘The State of Nigerian Children and the Significance of Proper Parenting for Value Re-orientation and National Consciousness.’
The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director of Child Development, Mrs. Kate Bello, said children are the backbone of the Nation’s future, hence it’s collective responsibility of all to ensure their well-being, that will shape them into responsible citizens .
The Permanent Secretary who said
Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing numerous challenges that affect the upbringing and development of children, lamented that “issues such as poverty, inadequate access to education, violence, and the erosion of our cultural values which poses significant threats to their growth.”
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Expressing optimism that focus on proper parenting and value re-orientation could bring about positive change and secure a brighter future for the nation, Osobajo stressed “proper parenting is the cornerstone of nurturing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.”
She continued: “It goes beyond providing material needs and encompasses instilling moral values, discipline, and empathy in our children. Parents as the primary caregivers, play an instrumental role in shaping the character and mindset of their offspring. By investing time, love, and guidance, parents can empower their children to become responsible citizens who contribute to the growth and progress of our great nation.
“While value re-orientation is another vital aspect that requires our attention, because our society has witnessed a decline in ethical standards, where corruption, dishonesty, and selfishness have become far too prevalent.
“It is our duty to reverse this trend and instill core values such as integrity, honesty, respect, and compassion in our children, which can be done through education and positive role modeling, that can guide them to become morally upright individuals, who uphold the principles that will lead to a better Nigeria.
She therefore advised children to “develop a sense of national consciousness—a deep understanding and appreciation of our country’s rich heritage, diversity, and collective identity. By fostering a sense of pride in our Nigerian identity, we empower our children to actively participate in nation-building, unity, and peace.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
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The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,”he added.
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
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“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
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“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,”he added.
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
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“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,”he said.