In 1964, May 27th, was set aside as Children's Day, in Nigeria. From that year, till date, Nigerian Children are celebrated every year on May 27th. The day is used to draw attention or create awareness about the needs, challenges and problems that children face, and to commemorate, honour and treasure the Almighty's greatest gift, the priceless possession on earth, the children.
The day no doubt, also offers a huge opportunity for the older generation of Nigerians, to reflect into their lives. This singular act of the older citizens, enables them to recollect their days as the little children of their own time.
From records available to me, various Nigerian governments, at the three tiers of governance devoted time and other resources to celebrate Nigerian Children in the 60s, 70s, 80s and the early 90s. These periods witnessed massive activities annually on May 27th (apart from the Civil War period). Remarkably therefore, during the period, Nigerian children were celebrated by the leaders. Children's Day, of the good old days were celebrated with lots of activities that include fanfare and funfairs.
The fun packed Children's Day activities and events of the referenced period were witnessed at the three tiers of the government: federal, state and local government respectively. The children's Day activities were carefully planned and executed, with emphasis, very clear objectives and goals centered on the children.
Responses from many of those I spoke to, indicate that structures were raised not just to mark the day but targeted deliberately to live in the mind of the growing child long lasting positive effects, full of very valueable lessons. Efforts were made, obviously by the leaders of that time to craft in the spirit of the future leaders, the children, the impression that the Nation is proud of them and behind them. They did not only view or considered them as very precious, vital and unique but proved that to them. They proved to them that they were part of the bigger picture of the country's core development agenda.
Some of the child development oriented activities that were always organized on May 27th of the good old days to commemorate the children's Day were Funfares that include:
Creation and showcasing of special children's programmes on TV and radio,
Allowing children anchors on radio and TV shows to discuss issues that affect them as Children and citizens,
Performing, playing, taking charge, being in control of important roles and duties in the offices of some of the important leaders in public offices.
The benefits of the above include but not limited to the following:
Opening up the children early in life,
Arousing their interest and boosting their morale early, and making them to have a feeling of what the offices look like and what the office holders really do,
Giving the children an insight, if not the experience they might use to take the decisions about following a particular career path,
The list can be longer than this. I invite you esteemed Kingdom Teens and Kids to add to list.
Before signing off, I wish to draw your attention to the 2023 Children's Day theme:
"Investing in our future means investing in our Children"
As Nigeria waits the 2024 edition of the children's Day, I appeal to the older generation of Nigerians to reflect on the 2023 Children's Day theme and the entire 2023 Children's Day celebration, and on the basis of the outcome of your thinking speak and prepare for the 2024 edition.
To you the Kingdom Ambassadors, keep flying higher and higher. Strive to break existing records in your areas of interest: academic, skills acquisition and trade, sports, etc. Remember to always celebrate the little but noble things, and deliberately, seek out those children, in and around you whose families are less fortunate. Share things with them. Take a walk with them, and if you can buy gifts for them. Make them feel loved...
We are the Kingdom minded, success driven Teens and Kids... Remain charming, I am...
Nnabugwu Chinzaekpere (Anchor/Host)
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