AUCHI : Dr. Joan Oviawe, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said that the state is committed to achieve global standard literacy and numeracy skill in all Edo children.
Dr. Oviawe who was represented by Mrs. Joy Ojobor at the occasion in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government said that children must be equipped to compete globally and emerge employable in the digital age and age to come.
“All the children of Edo represent our future, and we owe it to ourselves and our children to invest wisely and build the right institutions, system and processes.
She said this administration has remained consistent in its efforts to direct resources towards the education and welfare of all Edo children, adding that the state continues to lead with lowest number of out of school children.
She disclosed that the board had launched a campaign to make every child in the state a “Reading Champion”. She said the campaign is to encourage the culture of reading among children of the state.
“The ability to read is the key that unlocks a mine of vast knowledge and capacity that is responsible for shaping a secured future.
“This campaign which will require the involvement of all stakeholders particularly parents is aimed at complementing the classroom efforts of dedicated and digital teachers.
The Edo SUBEB chairman, said children are leaders of tommorrow and must be given special care and protection from parents, teachers and other members of the family.
“Children’s day celebration also remind us about the rights of children which should be of general application to all children.
Welcoming guests at the occasion, the Education Secretary Etsako West Local Government, Mr. Aliu Yusuf congratulated the children for their Children’s Day celebration.
While using the opportunity to thank the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe for the good work they have been doing in the educational sector since assumed offices, he said that Nigeria love to do what everyone will appreciate but only braved and true Nigerians dare to do what everyone is afraid to do.
He said that this year celebration is “Unite To Reverse the impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on children”.
The secretary stated further that SUBEB is also introducing “Every Child is a Reading Champion” this is to help in positioning the pupils to imbibing good reading culture. “Our aim is that every Edo child should be able to read in primary one and urged parents to encourage their children on the reading culture.
On his part, the Acting Chairman, Etsako West Local Government, Mr. Desmond Imonikhe said that the celebration is unique due to series of events particularly the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic that has taken many lives across the globe, as well as affected world economies.
“It was in the light of the reality and the need to adequately protect the lives of the children and youths that necessitated this year theme “Unite to Reverse the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on children”.
He said it was clear that our governments understand the impact of the deadly virus on our citizenry, particularly our children and youths most especially the elderly and sick in virtually all part of the world.
According to him, there is no iota of doubt that the respective tiers of government in Nigeria have been committed to combating the scourge through massive sensitization programmes on protective measures.
He however assured the local government commitment to the plight of children and youths in our society
Highpoint of the events was cultural display by invited schools and distribution of free books and reading materials to children as part of the campaign to ensure every child become a “reading champion” in the state.
