Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has called for more inclusion, discipline and collective responsibility in raising Nigeria’s next generation, saying every child deserves equal opportunities regardless of background, gender or physical ability.
Soludo made the call during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
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Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” the Governor said inclusion must remain “the moral foundation of national development.”
“The strength of Nigeria’s future relies entirely on the deliberate choices we make for our children today
“Every single Nigerian child deserves the dignity of belonging, regardless of their background, gender, or physical ability,” he said.
The Governor noted that governments must pay closer attention to the voices and aspirations of children, stressing that young people play a critical role in shaping the future of the nation.
According to him, social development must remain central to national progress, while stable homes and strong family values are essential to child development.
Soludo also urged children across Anambra State and Nigeria to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values, warning against truancy and social vices capable of undermining their future.
“The future is now,” he declared, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child in Anambra state is marginalised or left behind.
He highlighted measures taken by the state government to improve education, including the establishment of smart schools, recruitment and training of teachers, and the integration of technology into learning.
In a separate Children’s Day message, the wife of the governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, called for increased care and support for vulnerable children, especially those who are sick, orphaned and less privileged.
She urged governments, families and communities to work together to guarantee equal access to education, healthcare, protection and opportunities for every child.
“Our children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the pride and future of Anambra State
“With the right education, guidance, innovation and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve,” she stated.
Soludo also emphasised the importance of compassion toward disadvantaged children, noting that the quality of care given to them today would shape the future of society.
“We must continue to support, care for and show love to children, especially those who are sick, orphaned or less privileged, because every child deserves hope, dignity and the opportunity to succeed,” the Governor’s wife emphasised.
The celebration featured a colourful march-past by schools across the state, cultural performances and ceremonial cake-cutting attended by government officials, parents and pupils.
