As Nigeria joined the rest of the world in marking this year’s Children’s Day celebration, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and former governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, has called on Nigerian children to remain steadfast, resist distractions, and embrace the greatness that lies within and around them.
In a heartfelt message issued on Tuesday to commemorate the annual event, Sowunmi appealed to children across the country, and indeed across the African continent, to stay focused on meaningful pursuits despite the challenges that often define their environment. He urged them to resist the temptations of modern distractions that compete for their attention, emphasising that a determined and purpose-driven mindset is the surest path to success.
“The noise in today’s world is loud, but focus remains key,” he said. “Many distractions are targeted at your young minds, but you must not waver. Hold tightly to our unique African culture and heritage, they are not just relics of the past but the very foundation of our identity as a people.”
While advocating for cultural preservation, Sowunmi also encouraged children to remain open to positive transformation. “Do not see culture and tradition as rigid or outdated. Instead, recognise them as evolving systems that support your survival and growth. The mindset we must nurture is: ‘I am because you are.’ It is only through this collective consciousness that we can truly be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”
In his message, the PDP leader spoke with optimism about the future of the Nigerian child, expressing faith in their potential to rewrite the story of the African race. He said the onus is on the younger generation to tell the story of Africa’s resilience, courage, and victories, past and present. He described Children’s Day not only as a celebration but as a moment of reflection and vision-casting for the youth.
“I see the early signs that the future will be bright,” Sowunmi declared. “Children of Nigeria and the African race, the world awaits your leadership. You are the storytellers of our struggle, our persistence, and ultimately, our triumph. I urge you to give yourselves to things that build you up, to knowledge, to values, to creativity.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of youth development, education, and moral values, messages like Sowunmi’s echo the urgent need to invest in the minds of the young, who remain the bedrock of the nation’s future. In celebrating this year’s Children’s Day, the call is clear: the next generation must rise above mediocrity and distractions, and take ownership of the destiny that awaits them.
