Stakeholders Emphasize African Child Education, Say It Must Not Go Extinct

By Sylvia Akpan

In a bid to protest the poor quality of education students receive and to demand instruction in their native languages, the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with Save the Children International, set aside June 21, 2023, to celebrate the International Day of the African Child.

The 2024 International Day of the African Child held at the Women Development Center, with the theme: “Education for All, the Time is Now.” Celebrated annually on June 16, the day commemorates the children of Africa, recognizing their efforts to defend their rights and prompting reflection and action to address the daily challenges faced by African children.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Mary Theresa Agede Ebe, explained that numerous engagements necessitated the rescheduling of the event. She thanked participants for attending and urged them to prioritize the education of the African child.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Edema Irom, in her keynote address, emphasized that the future of Nigeria and Africa is now, not tomorrow. She stressed that this is the time for education and an opportunity for students to engage with stakeholders.

Edema expressed concern that African children no longer value their traditional cuisine, such as Ekpangnkukwo, preferring instead foods like noodles, shawarma, and pizza, which has led to issues like obesity. She also highlighted that education includes skills acquisition and advised parents to encourage their children’s unique talents instead of comparing them to others.

Students from Government Technical College Ogoja and Community Secondary School Akparabong, Ikom, presented on the event’s theme, advocating for developmental strategies to enhance effective and efficient learning. Teachers were also given the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face in their roles.

The event featured interactive sessions with students and stakeholders, as well as panel discussions.

Attendees included students from Government Secondary School Henshaw Town, Government Girls Secondary School Big Qua, Fruitful Vines International High School, Pinn Margaret Secondary School, Special Education Secondary School, Chillion International School, and Government Secondary School Barracks Road.