The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has called on governments, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to prioritise the protection and development of Nigerian children, warning that neglecting them amounts to endangering the nation’s future.
In a statement issued by his Media Office to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Alli said children remain the “heartbeat of every nation” and the foundation upon which the country’s future depends.
He stressed that the quality of leadership and care given to children today would determine Nigeria’s stability, growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
According to him, Children’s Day should not be limited to ceremonial celebrations but must serve as a moment of national reflection on the urgent need to secure the future of younger generations.
“Our children deserve to grow in an atmosphere of peace, safety, learning, hope and opportunity. A nation that neglects its children gradually mortgages its own future,” he said.
Alli expressed concern over challenges facing Nigerian children, including insecurity, poverty, rising cost of living, school abductions, child labour, drug abuse, declining moral values and limited access to quality education.
“We cannot continue to expose innocent children to fear, hunger, violence and uncertainty while expecting them to become responsible leaders tomorrow,” he added.
The APC candidate commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria and improving long-term opportunities for children and youth.
He cited ongoing efforts in education financing, infrastructure development, student loan schemes, digital innovation and security reforms as steps toward building a more sustainable future.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon courage and visionary leadership in laying the foundation for a better Nigeria,” Alli said.
He added that although the reforms may bring short-term hardship, they are necessary for long-term national progress, urging Nigerians to continue supporting the administration beyond 2027.
Alli also emphasised that education remains the most powerful tool for fighting poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment, calling for increased investment in schools, teachers, vocational training and child welfare programmes.
He urged parents to pay closer attention to the moral and emotional upbringing of their children amid growing threats such as social media abuse, drug addiction and erosion of family values.
“As leaders and parents, we must understand that every neglected child today can become a lost future tomorrow,” he warned.
The APC governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to policies that prioritise education, youth empowerment, skills acquisition and child protection in Oyo State.
He encouraged children to remain focused and disciplined despite current challenges, expressing optimism that abducted schoolchildren would regain their freedom.
Alli also called on teachers, community leaders, religious bodies and civil society organisations to play active roles in shaping responsible future leaders, while wishing children across Oyo State and Nigeria a peaceful Children’s Day celebration.
