School children in Enugu State on Wednesday joined millions around the world to celebrate the 2026 Children’s Day with music, parades and cultural displays.
But beyond the colourful celebration, many of the children are calling on authorities to strengthen security and improve protection for pupils amid growing concerns over attacks and abductions in schools across Nigeria.
With the sound of marching bands echoing across the arena, pupils and students from different schools within Enugu metropolis paraded in colourful uniforms as they saluted the state governor during the ceremony.
There were also cultural displays, dance performances and other activities that kept the atmosphere lively throughout the celebration.
But behind the excitement and fanfare, many of the children expressed concerns about insecurity in parts of the country, stressing that every child deserves access to safe learning environments free from fear and violence.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said protecting children must remain a shared responsibility among government, parents and society, while also highlighting the state government’s investments in education and school infrastructure.
With reports of repeated school attacks and abductions recorded across parts of Nigeria in recent years, many of the children say their greatest wish this Children’s Day is to learn in peace and return home safely after school each day.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
