The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian children to embrace patriotism, discipline, and moral values as the country joins the global community in celebrating the 2026 Children's Day. The agency made this appeal in a statement released yesterday by its Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, who described Nigerian children as the "hope, strength, and future of the nation."
Celebrating Children's Day in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Children's Day is observed annually on May 27 to honor children and highlight their welfare, rights, and developmental needs, while reaffirming the commitment to their protection and education. The Director-General of the NOA congratulated Nigerian children on this occasion, emphasizing that the celebration underscores the shared responsibility of the government, parents, teachers, religious institutions, and society in raising responsible citizens. He stressed that the strength of any nation largely depends on the values instilled in its younger generation.
"The future of our nation depends greatly on the values, education, and opportunities we provide for our children today. Every child deserves access to quality education, safety, healthcare, guidance, and a conducive environment to grow into responsible citizens," the statement read.
Encouraging Positive Values
The agency encouraged children across the country to remain dedicated to learning, discipline, patriotism, and moral excellence as they prepare for future leadership roles. It also cautioned young Nigerians against crime, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and violence, urging them to embrace integrity, hard work, creativity, and national unity.
According to the NOA, promoting civic responsibility and value reorientation among young people remains a core aspect of its mandate, adding that it will continue to intensify public enlightenment campaigns in schools and communities nationwide. The agency further commended parents, teachers, caregivers, and development partners for their contributions to raising children despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
