As part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebrations, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has called for quality education and skills development to improve the welfare of Nigerian children.
Issa-Onilu also urged increased support to help children discover and develop their unique talents. He said this would contribute to the growth and progress of the nation.
Speaking at the Children’s Day event in Abuja, which involved selected school pupils, Issa-Onilu was represented by Theresa Madueke, Director of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics. The event’s theme was “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Children Through Quality Education and Skill Development.”
The NOA Director General highlighted the role of education in empowering children. He said, “The theme is the foundation of a strong and progressive society. Education is not only about learning facts. It is about encouraging curiosity, confidence, and independence among children.”
He added, “Education gives children the skills to succeed in a changing world. Our world, communities, and values keep changing. Education helps shape these changes in a way that builds a better future.”
Issa-Onilu stressed that education fights ignorance and helps individuals contribute positively to society. “No one lives alone in this world,” he said. “Education prepares you to help yourself and others.”
He also said skills development should start early. This includes skills like craftsmanship, public speaking, medicine, and engineering. Early skill training helps children discover their talents.
He said, “Everyone is unique. Education helps bring out each person’s strengths. Whether in science, entertainment, or technology, these talents can create positive results.”
Issa-Onilu explained that this message fits with NOA’s vision. The agency aims to build a Nigerian society that is orderly, responsible, and disciplined. He said NOA wants citizens who value hard work and patriotism.
He continued, “We want a society where democratic principles are respected, and peace and social harmony prevail.”
He concluded by noting the importance of children as future leaders and contributors to national development. “By investing in their education and well-being, we build a strong foundation for lasting peace and progress in our country,” he said.
