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Nigerian Children Urges FG To Channel Savings from Subsidy Removal to Education

Published

5 months ago

November 20, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Children’s Parliament has called on the Federal Government to reinvest a significant portion of the savings from the removal of petroleum subsidies into the education sector.

The children also emphasised the importance of prioritizing infrastructure development, capacity building, and hiring qualified educators to ensure better access to quality education for all Nigerians in the 2025 budget.

The Parliament also recommended allocating 50 per cent of the savings to revitalize the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on maternal and child health services, as they argued it would reduce mortality rates and provide affordable, accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations.

These were the resolutions at the session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Zanna, a highlight of the National Children Leadership Conference organized by the Children of Africa and Values Development Initiative in Abuja.

The Children’s Parliament advocated for the creation of programs targeting nutritional, psychological, and social needs to address broader welfare concerns, and suggested funding school feeding initiatives, child protection services, and promoting child rights. They emphasized that these measures would enhance the lives of Nigeria’s 58 million vulnerable children who currently face challenges like malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and limited access to education.

They further urged the government to establish a transparent framework to track and publicly report the expenditure of subsidy savings. This would involve setting clear targets and measurable outcomes to build trust among citizens, especially children. Collaboration with civil society organizations, international partners, and local stakeholders was also recommended to maximize the funds’ impact and achieve sustainable, inclusive development.

The Parliament further called for functional Children’s Parliaments to be established at all levels of government. They proposed adopting the CALDEV Africa National Children Leadership Conference as a model program to nurture leadership skills among young Nigerians.

These resolutions were part of a motion titled “Urgent Need for the Nigerian Government to Reinvest Savings from the Removal of Petroleum Subsidy into the Education, Health, and Welfare of Children for Sustainable Development,” moved by the Leader of the Parliament, Ubkongyamba Hassan.

The Parliament acknowledged that removing the petroleum subsidy was a necessary step to alleviate fiscal pressure on the economy. Before the subsidy removal, over 95% of Nigeria’s revenue was spent on debt servicing, with the government expending over ₦10 trillion annually on subsidies.

The motion presented by the Parliament noted:

– The removal of the subsidy presents a unique opportunity to redirect resources toward sustainable development.

– Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors are in urgent need of improved infrastructure, human resources, and funding to address existing gaps.

– Vulnerable children face significant challenges, including food insecurity, out-of-school rates, and health issues, which could be mitigated through strategic reinvestment.

Reinvestment, they argued, would support long-term development goals, addressing issues like extreme poverty, hunger, and child mortality.

The founder of CALDEV, Rep. Bamidele Salam, emphasised the importance of engaging children in shaping the nation’s future.

Rep. Salam described the leadership program as a platform to foster national cohesion, unity, and patriotism among children from all regions of Nigeria.

“The underpinning philosophy of this program is to create a diverse gathering of child leaders across Nigeria, promoting integration and unity,” Salam said.

Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, stressed the need to involve young people in governance and societal activities.

“We must be deliberate in elevating the younger generation. This leadership conference in Abuja is a step in the right direction,” she stated.

Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, emphasised the importance of education and urged children to build positive relationships while avoiding harmful associations.

The event featured a panel discussion where children explored the theme, “The Role of Young People in Promoting Sustainable Development”. Participants discussed innovative ways to involve youth in addressing national challenges, highlighting their potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.

The Nigerian Children’s Parliament has articulated a clear vision for the effective use of subsidy savings. By prioritizing education, healthcare, and child welfare, the Federal Government has an opportunity to address long-standing issues and invest in Nigeria’s future.

Through transparency, accountability, and collaboration with various stakeholders, the savings from the subsidy removal can be a catalyst for sustainable development that uplifts millions of children and transforms the nation.

Related Topics:chairman FG Nigeria Nigerian school

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Watch current episode of Your family Lawyer as Chinye breaks down intricacies of bloodlines, DNA tests

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April 21, 2025

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Again, Chuma Chinye a seasoned lawyer in last Saturday’s podcast of Your family Lawyer adequately thrashed out intricacies associated with DNA tests and bloodlines in family matters.

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Protests erupt in Plateau over incessant k!llings

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3 hours ago

April 21, 2025

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Protests erupted in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday morning over the continued killings of indigenous residents by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militants.

The demonstrations, led by Christian leaders including the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, commenced on Monday morning at the Fawvwei Junction community road, causing a heavy gridlock and stranding commuters.

The latest protest comes amid a surge in violent attacks by gunmen in various communities, with over 100 people killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAS in the past two weeks.

“We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” said Gyang Dalyop, one of the protesters.

Another protester, Hannatu Philip, called on the government to intervene before it spirals out of control.

The protesters brandishing placards with different inscriptions were seen marching towards the Rayfield Government House.

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Tinubu not your equal – Presidency replies Peter Obi’s ex-running mate, Datti

Published

3 hours ago

April 21, 2025

ADMIN

The Presidency has said the former Labour Party, LP, presidential running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed is no match for President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare was reacting to Datti’s remark that he (Tinubu) would not run for the presidency in 2027.

The former LP running mate insisted that Tinubu’s time is up, adding that everything is there for the president and the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, to see that they lose in 2027.

Dismissing such remark, Dare likened Datti’s comment to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through.

In a statement he signed, Dare said the likes of Peter Obi and Datti would have been president left for the latter’s theories.

According to Dare, Datti has chosen to venture into an unfamiliar terrain.

The statement reads partly: “Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s “illogical logic” was all over the place in his recent interview with a television channel.

“Listening to Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed spurn his postulations about the political future of Nigeria and that of the incumbent President is like listening to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through. Yusuf Baba Ahmed and his co-traveller Peter Obi are indeed a “double whammy“ in the Nigerian political space.

“He chose to base his political calculations on President Bola Tinubu not winning a second term given his antecedents and because Nigerians will decide at the polls among other things. He conveniently avoided the substance of performance and capacity.

“Unfortunately, he chose to walk into a lane he was unfamiliar with and chose to confront a politician he is no match for.”

Similarly, the Presidency had also stressed that Tinubu will reveal his plans for a second term at the right time.

It said the APC 2027 presidential campaign billboards had no links to Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.