CHILDREN’S DAY: DG BCOC CALLS FOR CHARACTER FORMATION, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

The Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship (BCOC) Ekiti State, Mrs Olawumi, has urged students across Ekiti to build their future with discipline, integrity, and good conduct, stressing that greatness begins with the decisions made today.

Mrs Olawumi made the call in Ado-Ekiti during the 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration Symposium organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education. The symposium, themed “Child Development and Good Governance,” brought together education stakeholders, school administrators, teachers, parents, and children the focus and future of society.

Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized that children form the foundation of every nation. According to her, the peace, progress, and prosperity of any society depend heavily on the moral upbringing and educational development of the young people. She noted that purposeful governance places the welfare and growth of children at the centre of policies and programmes, warning that neglect could lead to insecurity, moral decline, and social instability.

Mrs Olawumi also praised the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for its sustained investment in educational advancement, youth development, and child welfare. She highlighted the administration’s reforms and commitments across public education, infrastructure, teacher support, and youth-focused initiatives as clear evidence of leadership that understands the importance of preparing the younger generation for a better future.

The Director-General further stated that child development goes beyond academic performance alone, adding that true growth includes moral discipline, civic responsibility, patriotism, integrity, empathy, respect for others, and leadership values. She cautioned that a child who excels academically but lacks good character may become a burden to society, underscoring the importance of civic education and character formation in nation building particularly in an era of harmful influences such as social media pressure, cybercrime, drug abuse, and violence.

In her address, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye charged the students to embrace values that promote positive development, active citizenship, and responsible leadership, describing them as essential tools for building a better future and sustaining good governance in society.

The symposium featured presentations from six schools with participants emphasizing the need for government, parents, and society to work together in nurturing children for a brighter tomorrow. Schools that took part included Corpus Christi College, Ilawe Ekiti; Daglore Model College, Ikole Ekiti; Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti; St. Mary’s Girls Grammar School, Ikole Ekiti; St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti; and Alamoye Comprehensive High School, Aramoko Ekiti.

Dr Aderiye monitored the competition and commended the students for their intellectual depth, confidence, and understanding of governance and societal values. She encouraged them to shun fear and self-doubt, reminding them that greatness resides in every child ready to dream, learn, and lead responsibly.

Cash prizes were later presented to participating speakers and other contributors in recognition of outstanding performances.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, described children as the foundation of every progressive society and reiterated that investing in their education, welfare, and moral upbringing remains a priority of government. He explained that the symposium was designed to equip children with the knowledge, confidence, and right values needed to become responsible leaders and change-makers in the future.

Delivering a goodwill message, Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, commended the Oyebanji administration for placing children at the centre of governance through inclusive education policies, improved access to quality learning, and better healthcare services.