By Catherine Egwuom
The students of King’s College Lagos have called for decent Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and a nation devoid of insecurity, as the institution commemorated the 2026 Day of the African Child (DAC).
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the King’s College Pavilion in Lagos has the global theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DAC is observed annually on June 16 to honour the resilience of children, reflecting on the progress made in ensuring their rights across Africa.
The day was instituted in 1991 by the Organisation of African Unity to pay tribute to the 1976 students’ uprising in Soweto, South Africa.
Master Oluwatosin Bashorun, a Senior Secondary School One student, said that a lack of basic amenities could hinder children from dreaming big and studying better.
He emphasised that every child deserved to learn in a safe and healthy environment, free from insecurity.
“Many children are fighting battles they should never have to fight, some walk long distances or roam their neighbourhoods in search of water before going to school.
“In schools, most schools have inadequate portable water supply.
“Some sit in classrooms feeling thirsty and uncomfortable. Others fall sick from diseases that could have been prevented through clean water and proper hygiene.
“Dormitories and hostels are not of the best. Poor ventilation and nettings.
“The African Child deserves better, we deserve schools with clean water, proper sanitation and good hygiene facilities,” he said.
Speaking on their expectations from the government and the school administration as African children, most of the students harped on the need for improved security, electricity, infrastructure, employment opportunities, economic indices, learning and boarding facilities.
Kule Ayodeji, SS3, said he wished for a Nigeria and Africa with good infrastructure and better learning facilities.
According to him, he dreams to see a Nigeria with beautiful and conducive environment, habitable for Nigerians of all socioeconomic strata.
Olusengun Coker, SS2, focused on the state of the living quarters, aspiring for more habitable hostels for students.
” There are always bedbugs and mosquitoes in the hostels.
“Water availability should be improved too, The authorities should look into it,” he said.
Another SS2 student, Ephraim Daniels, demanded for the reduction in the prices of goods in Nigeria to ease the burden on families.
He also begged for improved security.
“Many families are suffering. Children are growing up under harsh conditions.
“Prices of things are high. Most families find it difficult to eat required balance diet.
“The news of kidnapping and insecurity make us afraid. Moving around or even travelling is now scary.
“Also, everywhere is cramped. Our city is `jaga jaga’. Nothing seems to be planned. No recreation areas. Open gutters everywhere. Walkways are now market spaces. Refuse heaps all around. People drive anyhow. The noise is too much.
“The Africa Child needs to enjoy childhood, mostly, we are not,” he lamented
Speaking at the event to mark DAC 2026, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, the wife of the Ooni of Ife and the C.E.O and Deputy Convener of the Hopes Alive Initiative, said DAC was remarkable and worth celebrating.
Ogunwusi noted that it had been over 50 years of fighting for the rights of African children and celebrating heroes.
“I am here today because I always prioritise children above everything in my activities and because King’s College is an institution that that has brought several policy makers.
“DAC is not just merely a date in the calendar, it is a declaration that the lives of African children matter the most, that their dreams are valued.
” I charge you all my children to choose integrity above everything, be humble, respectful, and take cognissance of the simplest instructions,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Peter Oluwaleye, the Chairman of the Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) of KCL, said the 2026 theme for DAC was in line with the vision of the association.
Oluwaleye noted that the PTA constantly worked to ensure students had access to clean water, a tidy environment, and habitable hostels.
” We cannot fold our hands to see your environment decay, we will make sure our wastes are disposed always.
“Kings don’t live in a dirty environment. We will ensure a complete renovation during the holidays,” he said.
NAN reports that the students entertained the guests with a variety of performances, ranging from a presentation by the Literary and Debating Club to the Zolo Cultural Dance and the Eyo Cultural Dance.
As part of the celebration, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi was honored by the institution with a portrait bearing her image for her special guest appearance and contributions to child development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
