Abuja School Children Promote Gender Equality, Climate Awareness Through Play

School children in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, recently took centre stage to advocate gender equality and raise awareness about climate change through a play titled The People of The Sun.

The performance, organised by Beautiful Beginning Academy in collaboration with Deep Waterz Consult, aimed to sensitise young minds on pressing societal challenges.

The stage play illuminated the struggles for identity, power, and survival, weaving a compelling narrative of resilience, reckoning, and the urgent fight against gender inequality. The performance emphasised the significance of men and women standing as equals, working together to shape a sustainable future.

Speaking at the event, Honourable Ginika Tor, the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, representing Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of empowering children with knowledge of gender inequality and other societal challenges.

“As a proud parent whose child played the role of the king, I strongly believe that functional learning is the way forward for schools. Beautiful Beginning Academy has taken learning a step higher by equipping students with knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes that will enable them to apply what they learn in real-life situations,” she said.

Mallam Baba Jibrin Ndace, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Director of Digital Media, Mr Qasim Akinreti, reaffirmed Voice of Nigeria’s commitment to giving children a voice.

“Gender equality, our culture, and several other lessons have been beautifully projected throughout the play, showcasing a bright future for these young ones,” he noted.

Functional Learning for a Better Future

Dr Rosemary Nasa-Okolie, Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, lauded the students’ performances and urged educational stakeholders and parents to support functional learning.

“Functional education is our approach. We empower our children with knowledge, skills, and character. The play you witnessed today explores gender equality and promotes the Sustainable Development Goals to tackle climate change. This is just the beginning, and I encourage parents to embrace 21st-century education,” she remarked.

Awards of excellence were presented to notable individuals, including Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (FCT Council), and Mallam Baba Jibrin Ndace, for their dedication to advancing gender equality and children’s empowerment through the media.

Comrade Grace Ike expressed gratitude for the recognition and stressed the importance of empowering both boys and girls equally. She reflected on her own journey as the first female NUJ FCT Council Chairman in over 40 years, underscoring the need for inclusive opportunities.

Cultural Celebration and Student Reflections

Maricel Romero, Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, commended the school for using theatre to advocate gender equality while celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Students also shared their experiences and insights gained from the play. Aliyu Mustapha, a grade five student, expressed excitement about his role, stating, “This play has taught me that women are very important, and we must protect our environment. Women should not be sidelined but encouraged to achieve their dreams.”

Kimorah Douglas, another student, shared how the school had instilled confidence in her, motivating her to aim for greatness.

Through The People of The Sun, these young actors delivered a powerful message on gender equality and climate action, proving that the next generation is ready to champion meaningful change.