90, 000 children do not go to school in Abia – Otti

…Promises to secure future of Abia children

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

Incoming Governor of Abia, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, says about 90, 000 Abia children were out of school.

Otti who disclosed this on the occasion of the celebration of the 2023 International Children’s Day, has, however, assured that he would secure the future of Abia children.

In the message which he personally signed, Otti, warming up to be sworn in on Monday, May 29, 2023 as the 10^th Governor of Abia State, said that records from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) show that about 20 million Nigerian children were out of school and that the number of Abia children in same situation was about 90, 000.

“The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) puts the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria at over 20 million. Out of this number Abia State has no fewer than 90,000 children not attending schools,” the Governor–elect said.

He said the picture painted by UNESCO was an indication that investment in the future of Nigerian children was not encouraging.

“It is worthy of note to state that the theme for this year’s Children’s Day celebration is ‘Investing in our future means investing in our children.’

“As insightful and instructional as this statement is, can we, in all honesty, in Nigeria, indeed Abia State, really say we have invested in our future, that is, our children? The answer is simply, no!” Otti said.

He noted that this year’s celebration was coming at a time when a new government led by him would take over the administration of Abia , as he promised to address the issues of a better future for Abia children squarely.

“This year’s celebration is, therefore, coming at a most auspicious time, when a new government will be taking over at the helms of political leadership in our state on May 29, 2023, just two days from today. 

“The Labour Party (LP) government in Abia State that I will lead has already made a firm promise to create the enabling environment and atmosphere for the socio- economic development, growth and welfare of our citizens.

“This will entail the building of new infrastructure and revamping of existing ones; creating wealth and jobs for our agile army of youths, and opportunities for businesses to thrive and prosper; defraying outstanding wages and pensions and regular payments of same, going forward. 

“All these and much more we will do all in the effort to secure a future for our children, who, as we often say, are leaders of tomorrow.”

He therefore charged the children to be hopeful and of good cheer.

“So, as we mark this year’s Children’s Day, I urge all our young ones to be of good cheer and at your best behaviour as we work to build a future for all and particularly, you, our children,” Otti promised.

As he wished the young Abians “Happy Children’s Day,” he added, “I would like to, on behalf of the people of Abia State, congratulate our children on this year’s celebration of the International Children’s Day, May 27, 2023.”