By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria marks this year’s Children’s Day, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has issued a heartfelt call for urgent action to address the country’s alarming rate of out-of-school children.
In a press statement by the Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, the association described children as “our future leaders, the heartbeat of our great nation, the promise and hope of a brighter tomorrow.” 
Comrade Ikpang called on all levels of government to adopt more proactive and coordinated efforts to tackle the growing number of children missing out on formal education.
“According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has approximately 18.3 million out-of-school children, positioning the country with the highest number globally,” she stated.
She emphasized that NAWOJ remains committed to promoting children’s rights, well-being, and access to quality education.
“We recognise the importance of children in our society, and we are dedicated to raising awareness about the issues affecting their lives”, Ikpang said.
The Chairperson further expressed the association’s determination to keep advocating for long-term change.
“We reiterate NAWOJ FCT collective resolve towards continuous advocacy, building inclusive, innovative, inspiring systems where every child can thrive, shine, and soar,” she said.
The statement also called on other stakeholders, parents, educators, policy-makers, and civil society to join in safeguarding the rights and dreams of every Nigerian child.
“We urge stakeholders to be actively involved in shaping a country where every child’s potential is nurtured, their dreams protected, and future secured,” it read.
NAWOJ FCT extended warm wishes to all children: “Happy Children’s Day. NAWOJ FCT LOVES YOU ALL.”
