By Angela Atabo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education and support them to grow and thrive.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, stated this in Abuja, during an Inter-School Quiz Competition organised to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

The quiz was organised by the African Scholars Care Initiative, an NGO, in collaboration with the Women Affairs Secretariat.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, called on stakeholders to support the government in creating a better world for children.

“We want a world where we will all invest in children’s education, respect their rights, welfare and create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration is promoting policies that protect children’s rights to education and access to other necessities of life that will ensure their uninterrupted growth and development.

“The Nyesom Wike-led FCTA had established the Women Affairs Secretariat to give women and children the attention they deserved.

The mandate secretary described children as Africa’s greatest assets, adding that with the right education and skills, they would significantly contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.

She said that the theme of the celebration, “Education for all African Children: The Time is Now”, resonates with the FCTA’s recognition of education as an important key to unlocking the potential of children.

She called on children across Africa to focus on education and Skill acquisition for self-reliance.

Similarly, the Country Director, Nutritional International, Dr Osita Okonkwo, also called on the government, parents and caregivers to invest in the nutritional wellbeing of children.

In a paper entitled, “The Role of Nutrition in Education”, Okonkwo argued that good nutrition was the bedrock of child development, adding that it enables young minds and bodies to grow and flourish.

Also, the founding partner, African Scholars Care Initiative, Ms Joy Osomiamhe, said that the organisation was galvanising support for the African child to be able to compete favourably among their peers anywhere in the world.

Osomiamhe, however, said that this could only be achieved through the provisions of quality education and optimal nutrition to the African child.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 schools participated in the quiz competition, of which Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, emerged the winner.

LEA Primary School Kpana and Pilot Nursery and Primary School Wuse, Zone 5, emerged the first and second runner-up respectively.

One of the pupils of LEA Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, Paul Agada said: “I am very grateful to the organisers of this wonderful event.

“This competition has inspired me and my fellow pupils to read more and aim higher. I am grateful to FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat and the African Scholars Care Initiative for giving us this opportunity.

“It shows that our hard work and dedication can lead to success.” (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai