Abbas urges stakeholders’ investment in education

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has urged all stakeholders to prioritise investment in education to safeguard the future of Africa.

Abbas made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 Day of the African Child celebration, organised by the Project Hope Alive, an NGO interested in child development.

Abbas, represented by his Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Mr Lamir Umar, said that the children are the future of the continent.

“Education for all, is empowerment for all Africans, it is also an investment in the future we so yearn for, for the Africa we always strive to develop.

“Children are the compass of this historic continent; therefore, investing in their education will no doubt bring immense return today and tomorrow.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to consider education as a necessity, as a collective input to continue building an Africa we will be proud of,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of Project Hope Alive, Amb. Chibuzo Okereke, said that the initiative to celebrate Day of the African Child commenced in 2016.

He said that education was an enabler, a stimulator and a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by all.

Okereke, however, said that as a result of social inequality, there was a need to speaker for the vulnerable if they must have access to education.

“So for us, we are advocating for inclusive quality and relevant education, especially for children, just in line with the African Union declarations and framework and most of the countries of Africa, including Nigeria, sign into the Child Right Act.

“The aspirations of the Act is so that no child should be left behind, 2024 is the year of education in the African Union.

“So it should reflect even in the country’s budget, it should reflect even in policy directions of government of countries in Africa,” he said.

Okereke called for proper data bank of children on the continent to ensure proper education was delivered to them especially those with disabilities.

He said that with proper data, Nigeria should be able to take education to all out-of-school children wherever they might be, saying that retired teachers could play a role in teaching in communities.

Okereke said that there was gap that needed be closed in the education system, suggesting that corporate organisation should consider investing in education as part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR).

The president announced a cash donation of N100,000 and other items like books, school bags, water bottles, writing materials among others to Junior Secondary School Jabi I, which hosted the ceremony.

Other stakeholders at the event also donated cash to the school to support indigent students, while others offered scholarships for some orphans in the school.

In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Dr Grace Onyeanusi, commended the organisers for choosing to mark the day in the school.

Onyeanusi appreciated Project Hope Alive and its partners for the donations and items donated to the school for the children.

She said a lot were being done to support the students saying that the schools believed in education for all.

The principle pledged to continue to reach out to the speaker and other stakeholders to support the school execute with some critical projects in the school.

Miss Jimo Nazirah, a JSS 2b student in an interview with NAN, said that she was happy to be in school.

She urged all stakeholders to do all it took and ensured every child, not just in Africa but in the entire world have access to education.

Guests at the event were treated to a variety of cultural dance display by the students, spoken words, and debates among others.