CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day, the Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has called on leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the welfare and empowerment of Nigerian children.
In a message commemorating the annual event, Duke highlighted the critical role children play in shaping the nation’s future, describing them as “future leaders, innovators, and change-makers” whose potential must be nurtured and protected.
“The Nigerian child is faced with numerous challenges ranging from limited access to quality education and healthcare to poverty and exploitation,” the Commissioner stated, adding “As leaders, it is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that fosters their growth and development.”
He urged both government and the public to commit to improving children’s access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, while also creating opportunities for skill development and protection from abuse, exploitation, and violence.
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Duke emphasised that investing in children is synonymous with investing in Nigeria’s future, calling on society to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child to thrive.
“Let us strive to create a society that values, protects, and empowers our young ones. As we invest in our children, we invest in the future of our country, Nigeria,” he said.
He concluded with a heartfelt message to Nigerian children: “Happy Children’s Day to all children in Nigeria. May your dreams and aspirations be nurtured, and may you become the leaders we need to build a brighter future for our nation.”
