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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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Financial infractions: EFCC finally , nabs Aisha Achimugu at Abuja airport

Published

1 hour ago

April 29, 2025

ADMIN

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has nabbed a renowned business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.

The court also directed that she must be present before it on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.

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Party Ward Chairman Abducted, Kidnappers Demand N50m Ransom

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

ADMIN

The Chairman of Ward 1 of the Labour Party (LP) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Okasime Olowojoba, has been kidnapped while traveling along the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road.

The incident occurred on Saturday near Sasaro, a location notorious for frequent cases of abduction. Olowojoba, who also works as a realtor, was reportedly returning to Igarra after visiting Auchi to pick up his children following their holiday break.

According to reports, the assailants initially seized everyone in the vehicle — Olowojoba, his children, and a house help — but later freed the children and the domestic aide, taking only Olowojoba deep into the forest.

A family member speaking with Vanguard on Monday revealed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release.

The source explained, “Valentine Okasime Olowojoba was returning with his children when he was ambushed and kidnapped around Sasaro. The lack of network service throughout Saturday delayed any contact with the kidnappers until Sunday afternoon.”

“The attackers abandoned the vehicle at the scene and took him away. His brother later confirmed that a N50 million ransom has been demanded. We also heard reports of additional abductions in the same area on Sunday,” the source added.

Efforts to reach the Edo State Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.

Vanguard

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Court dismisses N1bn suit against Buhari, Emefiele, CBN

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

ADMIN

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N1 billion suit instituted against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele over the hardships that trailed the 2023 Naira redesign policy.

The judge threw out the suit instituted by an Abuja based legal practitioner, Uthman Isa Tochukwu on the grounds of lack of diligent prosecution of the case.

In a ruling on Monday, Justice Ekwo said that he was convinced that the plaintiff had deliberately abandoned his own case due to his persistent absence in court without legal representation and any explanation.

The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/418/2023 had dragged the former President, Attorney General of the Federation, former governor of the CBN, CBN and two commercial banks before the court claiming that they inflicted series of hardships on him during the redesign of the Naira.

In the suit filed on his behalf by his counsel, Bala Dakum, the plaintiff alleged that his fundamental rights to freedom of movement and dignity of his person were violently breached.

Specifically, the legal practitioner claimed his movement was curtailed while his money in the two commercial banks could not be assessed during the hardship occasioned by the redesign of the Naira in January and March 2023.

He therefore prayed the court to award N1 billion damages against the defendants to be paid to him for the breach of his fundamental rights.

However, at Monday’s proceedings, both the plaintiff and his counsel were not in court and did not offer any excuse for their absence.

Counsel to the 3rd and 4th defendants (Emefiele and CBN) Mr Chikelue Amasiani drew the attention of Justice Ekwo to the persistent absence of the plaintiff and his counsel in court during past proceedings.

He prayed the judge to strike out the suit and that the plaintiff can come back to revive the case when ready to show seriousness.

In a brief ruling, Justice Ekwo agreed with the lawyer and struck out the suit.