FIC Report (Abia State) – In a spectacular celebration of hope, potential and renewed commitment to youth development, Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, delivered a rousing address at the Umuahia Township Stadium to commemorate the 2025 International Children’s Day.
The event, themed “Celebrating the Stars of Tomorrow,” brought together thousands of school children, parents, teachers, and community leaders from across the state in a vibrant show of colour, unity, and inspiration.
The Governor, who took the traditional salute during the March-Past from enthusiastic pupils and students, declared the day a celebration of the new era in Abia’s education sector, noting a dramatic resurgence in public school enrollment following his administration’s policy of free and compulsory education in all basic and secondary schools.
“The glories of the good old days are gradually returning to our public school system,” the Governor remarked, citing the successful recruitment of over 5,300 qualified teachers and the planned hiring of 4,000 more, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Reflecting on his own childhood experiences of Children’s Day, Governor Otti expressed a personal connection to the event, describing the joy of being surrounded by young ones as “incomparable.”
He said his government’s resolve to rescue the education sector was born out of the collective failure of past administrations that allowed schools to decay and teachers to suffer.
“Many bright minds abandoned teaching, and our schools became shadows of their former selves. That era is gone,” he declared. “We are building smart schools, training teachers in modern methods, and ending rote learning for good.”
The Governor apologized on behalf of past political leaders for the neglect of education and pledged that under his leadership, education in Abia would never again be relegated.
He announced plans to convert 20 schools into fully equipped smart schools in the first phase, with another 20 to follow soon after.
Appreciation was also extended to parents for embracing the free education initiative and to First Lady Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti for her passionate support of children’s welfare.
The Governor also praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for its role in safeguarding children from environmental and social risks.
Beyond education, the Governor emphasized the administration’s broader economic agenda aimed at empowering families to support their children.
“We want an Abia where every hardworking parent can provide for their children,” he said.
He concluded with a stirring message of hope to the children:
“Your future is bright. We are here to support your dreams—but remember, nothing replaces hard work and resilience.
Avoid distractions, shun bad company, and embrace your talents through healthy activities like sports, drama, and debate. Tomorrow is yours to take.”
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, said that the theme for this year’s Children’s Day is, ‘Stand up, Speak up: Building a bullying free Generation’.
She maintained that the theme resonates with the shared goal of fostering a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for every child.
Aghukwa reiterated that bullying remains one of the challenges affecting children’s well- being, mental health and academic performances and called on all to stand to speak out against bullying
The Commissioner, however, assured that the commitment of the state government to championing the rights, welfare and development of every child in Abia cannot be ignored.
Aghaukwa said that the theme calls on all, adults, peers, and communities to take a stand against bullying in all its forms, to listen when children speak, and to create a society where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered to realize their full potential.
“I urge parents to be vigilant and supportive, teachers to be vigilant and proactive, and community and ensure that their generation grows up in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
“It is an opportunity to reinforce our commitments through policies, educational programmes, community engagement, and personal examples to eradicate bullying,” Aghukwa restated.
The 2025 Children’s Day Celebration featured Match past by Primary and Secondary Schools children across the 17 LGAs of the state, cultural performances, tug of war, recreational activities, entertainment and presentation of trophies to schools that excelled in various competitions in celebration of the annual event.
The 2025 Children’s Day celebration in Abia thus marks not just a festive gathering, but a strong declaration of intent, a promise that the children of Abia are no longer an afterthought, but the centrepiece of a brighter, smarter, and more prosperous tomorrow.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
27-05-2025.
