Hon. Alfred Charles, the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area has said that the Children’s Day is more than a celebration of colourful clothes, music, dancing and laughter but it’s a special reminder that every child matters to the society.
Charles made the remarks at the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration at the Local Government Secretariat at Ikot Edibon in Nsit Ubium LGA on Wednesday.
Represented by his Vice Chairman, Mrs Udeme Inwang, Charles said that child dream is valid, every young Nigerian deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, shine and succeed.
This years theme, Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child, speaks directly to the heart of our nations progress.
Charles said “the theme reminds us that the future we desire for Nigeria cannot wait until tomorrow – we must begin building it today by ensuring that no child is left behind,”.
The Council Boss said every child, regardless of tribe, religion, gender, ability, background, or social status deserves love, education, protection, and equal opportunity.
“Every Nigerian child deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and included,” Charles said.
Charles explained that inclusion means creating a society where the child in the city and the child in the village are equally important.
“It means giving opportunities to children living with disabilities. It means protecting vulnerable children, encouraging the girl child, supporting the boy child, and ensuring that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, security, and moral guidance,” Council Boss said.
He advised that children were not too young to dream big, saying that children are future Presidents, Governors, Doctors, Engineers, Teachers, Entrepreneurs, Pastors, Inventors, athletes, and leaders who would transform Nigeria and the world.
“Do not allow fear, hardship, or negativity to stop you from believing in yourselves. Stay focused in school, respect your parents and teachers and build good character for yourselves,” Charles advised.
Charles thanked the parents and guardians, for the sacrifices make daily to nurture and guide these children, saying that their love, patience, and dedication shape the future of their homes, communities, and nation.
“To our teachers, mentors, and caregivers, we celebrate your commitment to raising responsible and enlightened young people.
“Your impact goes beyond the classroom; you are helping to build tomorrows leaders.
He urged the government leaders, organisations, and stakeholders, to invest in policies and programmes that protect and empower children.
The Chairman noted that a nation that prioritises it’s children secures their future.
He said it’s administration had instituted a N100 million Trust Fund to cater for educational needs of indigent students in Nsit Ubium in two years.
“We have purchased over four hundred JAMB forms for Nsit Ubium Local Government Indigene, organised free JAMB tutorial classes in four centres across Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, payment of school fees for numerous indigene of Nsit Ubium Local Government,” Charles said.
He further said his administration had procured over 170 personal computers at the Patience Umo Eno ICT Centre, distribution of educational materials to 38 Primary Schools in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Bursary Grant for Nsit Ubium Students studying in higher institutions.
“We have also disbursed the first phase of Educational Grant to over 50 Students from Nsit Ubium extraction in higher institutions ranging from one hundred and fifty thousand naira to four hundred thousand naira, (N150,000.00 N400,000.00),” he said.
Charles said the disbursement of educational grants would be done yearly till students graduate from their studies.
“The second phase is coming up soon by the grace of God. We have invested massively in education because a better Nsit Ubium tomorrow depends on better education today,” the Council Boss said.
Charles explained that parents and caregivers should spend quality time with their children, reinforcing the bonds that are essential for emotional and social development.
According to him, simple acts of love and attention can make a significant difference in a child’s life, promoting their self-esteem and happiness.
The highlight of the event was cultural dance display and the presentation of the certificate of recognition to performing schools in Nsit Ubium.
Nursery school category: Yograce int.l Nur/Pri School took First position, Divine Success Academy Int.l Nur/Pri School Ikot Akpan Abia took second position while Arch-Bishop Adetiloye Int.l Nur/Pri School Ntit oton took Third position.
Primary School Category: St. Michael’s Catholic Pri School Ikot Akpatu took first position), Salvation Army Pri School Akai Ubium took 2nd position and Christ the King School Ikot Edibon took 3rd position.
Secondary school category: Yograce High School Afia Nsit Atai took 1st position, Talent Builder’s High School Afia Nsit Atai took 2nd position while Brilly Int.l School Ikot Ubo took 3rd postion.
March pass Nursery school category: Arch Bishop Adetiloye Int.l Nur/Pri School Ntit oton took 1st position, Uncle Effiong’s Int.l Nur/Pri School Ntit oton took 2nd position and Goodness Int.l Nur/Pri School Ndiya Usung Inyang took 3rd position.
Secondary school category: Adiaha Obong Girls Sec. School Ikot Imo took 1st position, Yograce High School Afia Nsit Atai took 2nd position while Salvation Army Sec. School Akai Ubium took 3rd position.
Primary School Category: Govt Pri Sch, Ikot Akpabin (First), Govt Pri Sch Ikot Eyo Ubium (2nd), Central School Ndiya (3rd).
Those present at the occasion were: Hon. Sunday Samuel Leader legislative, Hon. Alex Udo Ekpo Council Secretary, Head of Service, Etebom Ukpong Udoewah JP Clan Head of Ubium, Director of Education, Hon. Prince Jimmy Jimmy Supervisor for Education, Directors, Supervisors, Councilors among others.