The First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, on Saturday in Abuja, urged children to be patriotic by “shying away” from drug abuse.
“We want you to support your nation by shying away from drugs”, Mrs. Buhari said at a Children’s Day celebration organised by the Presidential Transition Council at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
She said that, as a party to the United National Convention on the Rights of Children and the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Nigeria passed the Child Rights Act (2003) to protect Children nationwide.
She therefore urged children to be contributors to nation-building and to shy away from drug abuse.
Mrs Buhari, who was represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, said: “On this joyous day the nation recognises and celebrates with you by supporting the Child Rights
Act and encourage you to be good citizens of this country. We as parents, brothers, and sisters say we love you. Be assured that you mean so much to us and the nation is proud of you as future leaders.
“We, therefore, encourage you to be good children. Listen to your parents and teachers more and always do what is right to make your country better.
“We want you to support your nation by shying away from drugs. Be disciplined and avoid any form of misconduct either at school or at home to make our country better”.
The First Lady encouraged Nigerian children to be committed to learning to help them acquire useful knowledge and skills to build their future and that of Nigeria.
This way, she argued that they can support the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu to serve Nigerians better.
Saturday’s event also featured side attractions such as inflatable bouncy castles, slides, maze, amongst others.
Earlier, the President Muhammadu hosted about 40 children at the Council Chamber of the State House. They comprise pupils from various primary and secondary schools across the country led by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Paulen Tallen, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Mohammed Bello.
Following the UN resolution the Federal Government set aside every 27th May to honour and celebrate her children as critical stakeholders in national development, raise awareness about their welfare, and protect their rights.
The day also provides an opportunity for children to make their desires known to the Federal Government.
