Karu: Mrs Blessing Onuh, a teacher in Karu Local Government Council of Nasarawa State, has emphasised the need for proper upbringing of children to build an impactful society and advance the nation. Onuh, who teaches at Lyngra Montessori Schools in Karu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, during the 2027 Children's Day celebration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onuh stated that as the nation celebrates Children's Day, parents should reflect on the future of the children. She highlighted that the future of any nation largely depends on the kind of children being raised, citing the well-known saying that children are the leaders of tomorrow. She questioned what the future would hold if children are not properly guided and educated.
Onuh explained that a strong family foundation was essential for positively impacting Nigerian children. She noted that the family is the first point of contact for any society and plays a crucial role in a child's life. Within the family, children are first nurtured before entering the larger society, making it imperative to instill good moral values early on.
She urged parents to be deliberate about raising their children and to spend quality time with them, especially during their formative years. Onuh warned that if these early years are well guided, children tend to grow into responsible citizens with good morals. Conversely, neglect during these years can lead to a myopic mindset and susceptibility to negative influences in society.
As the Head Teacher of Lyngra Montessori Schools, Onuh also highlighted the importance of quality education in shaping the Nigerian child. She stressed that quality education is crucial for any society to succeed and must be prioritized. When children receive the right education and information, they can apply their knowledge to improve the nation, fostering financial and social growth.
Onuh elaborated that quality education involves good infrastructure, qualified teachers, excellent policies, proper teaching aids, and ongoing teacher training to keep up with changing times. She called on parents, schools, and the government to be intentional about providing children with the positive training needed for future societal growth.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Children's Day is celebrated annually on May 27 to honor children and highlight their rights, welfare, and potential as future leaders. The day was established as a holiday in 1964 for primary and secondary school children in Nigeria. (NAN)