In 1964, May 27th, was set aside as the Children's Day, in Nigeria. From thaat year, till date, the Nigerian Children are celebrated every year on May 27th. The day is used to draw attention or create awareness about the needs, challenges or problems that children face. The day is also used to commemorate, honour and treasure the greatest gift of the Almighty, the priceless possession on earth, the children.
The day, May 27th every year in Nigeria, in my thinking offers the old breeds, the older generation of Nigerians, a huge opportunity to reflect about their own lives as Children also. This action, which enables the adults of the present to recollect their own days as the little children of yester years, is also capable of creating stronger ties between the generations: young, younger and old.
From records available to me, Nigerian governments in the 60s, 70s, 80s and up to the early 90s at the three tiers of governance, devoted time and other resources to celebrate Nigerian Children.The identified period witnessed massive children oriented celebration activities on annual basis on May 27th (Please exclude Civil War period).
Remarkably therefore, during the periods, the Nigerian children were generously celebrated by their leaders, and at the three tiers of governance. It is a very interesting thing for me to note that the Children's Day, of the good old days were celebrated with lots of activities, though I am unable to say or explain readily why the story has been totally different in my own time.
Records have it that the fun packed Children's Day activities and events of the referenced period were witnessed respectively at the federal, state and local governments. The activities were carefully planned and executed, with very clear objectives and goals, and all emphasis 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 at uplifting the Nigerian Child by leaving in the mind of that growing child long-lasting positive impressions, full of valueable lessons of impact. 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 consider the children as 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:
- Creating/showcasing 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: academics, 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,feel free to do so. Make them feel loved...
We are the Kingdom minded, success driven Teens and Kids...
Remain charming, I am always...
Nnabugwu Chinzaekpere
Anchor/Host
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