By Anita Uzoagba
As Nigeria marks the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed diverse views on whether children should be actively involved in decision making processes affecting their lives, families and society.
The residents spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
While some residents said children deserved a voice in matters concerning their welfare and future, others insisted that major decisions should remain the responsibility of adults because of children’s limited experience and maturity.
Mr Fortune Effiong, a father, said that involving children in decision making helps them become more aware, assures them that their voices are heard and helps to prevent disputes.
According to him, children need to be carried along to avoid conflicts in the near future.
“For instance, regarding social media, especially copyright issues, parents sometimes post things about their children without their consent. When the child grows up, such actions could even lead to legal action,” he said.
“Things have changed and times have changed. We do not just want to accept it. It is no longer only parents making decisions; children can now make certain decisions as well,” he said.
Effiong noted that international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, recognise children’s rights to participate in issues affecting their lives.
Similarly, Mrs Veronica Samuel, a civil servant, said that children should be part of decision making in the home depending on their ages, to show them how thoughtful and useful their ideas can be.
According to her, today’s children are smart, but their participation should be guided by adults to ensure balanced and responsible outcomes.
“If you do not know how to regulate their smartness, they might use it negatively.
“As a parent, when you want to decide to move, for instance, you call the children and ask: ‘What do you think about us moving to another state or outside the country?’ Then hear what they have to say.
“Whether or not it makes any difference, let them be part of it,” she said.
She added that involving children helps to build their sense of responsibility for the future.
In an adverse view, Mr Pius Andrew, a businessman, said that giving children too much influence in making decisions could weaken discipline and traditional family structures.
According to him, children often lack the maturity needed to make sound judgments.
“If children are allowed to decide everything, it may lead to disrespect and indiscipline.
“There are issues within life and the family that children cannot fully comprehend,” he said.
Andrew stressed that parents possess more life experience and are better positioned to make choices in the best interest of their children.
On her part, Mrs Edith Njoku, a mother of two, said that children should be allowed to contribute opinions according to their age and level of understanding.
According to her, although parents provide for their children, the children still have a say in decisions being made about them.
She noted that children want to participate in decisions concerning their future instead of having ideas imposed on them by their parents.
Njoku added that involving children in age-appropriate discussions could help reduce feelings of neglect and improve parent-child relationships.
Some other parents supported children’s input in after-school activities, family travels and adventure, household chores and cooking, noting that it develops critical thinking and an early sense of responsibility, trust and ownership.
In an ever-changing world where children are more aware of their rights, some residents said that involving children in certain family decisions creates a sense of value, validation and respect for their views.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AU/MUK
Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor
