We treasure all children wherever they may be as they are the hope for a better tomorrow!
As we celebrate Children's Day in Nigeria today, let us have in our thoughts, all children who have been abducted in the various insurgencies in our nation.
According to UNICEF, since 2013, more than 1,000 children have been abducted by Boko Haram. It is sobering that of the 276 girls abducted from their school in Chibok, Borno State, 100 have yet to return and be reunited with their families.
More recently in Dapchi, Yobe State, five girls lost their lives in the school attack and abductions and one, Leah Shuaibu, has yet to regain her freedom.
We also recognize and honour the ultimate sacrifices made by teachers in Northern Eastern Nigeria with UNICEF recording that 2,295 have been killed since 2009 and 1,400 schools have been destroyed.
Let us pray and hope for peace, harmony, reconciliation and progress in Nigeria.
Happy Children's Day!