By Stephen Adeleye.
The Wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Rashida Bello, has stressed the need for parents and guardians to ensure proper parenting for value reorientation and national consciousness.
Mrs Bello made the call at a program organised for Children’s day celebration in collaboration with the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Saturday at Government House, Lokoja.
Mrs Bello, who was represented by Mrs Hannah Odiyo, the Head of Service (HOS) Kogi State, decried the high rate of crimes and criminalities especially among the children as a result of inordinate ambition.
She urged the children to have the fear of God in their heart, and encouraged parents to teach their children the fear of God.
The governor’s wife admonished the children to be contended with whatever their parents were able to afford to give them at a particular point in time.
The Kogi first lady stressed the need for children to endure and be satisfied with whatever their parents could afford, saying their future is bright.
She urged parents to inculcate values and virtues into their children and instill descipline in them, while advising the children not to be covetous.
She commended the Governor for his numerous achievements in education, security, women and youth empowerment, among others.
In her remarks, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Buba, commended the governor and his wife for their love and passion for children in the state.
She emphasised that the governor had given top priority to the development and advancement of children in all areas, especially in education, health and social welfare.
She advised the children to strive to imbibe good values and virtues which remained the cardinal to holistic development for a secured future.
Buba said that lack of value orientation in the life of Nigeria children and her educational system manifested itself in homes and at all level of education.
According to her, for any society to experience positive and sustainable growth, positive values must be upheld and encouraged.
“Where social values have decayed, under-development sets in, hence the need for reorientation of these values.
“Parental roles play a crucial part in fostering a sense of national consciousness in a child.
“By instilling values, providing education and encouraging active participation, parents can contribute significantly to shaping a child’s understanding and attachment to their nation”, Buba said.
The commissioner urged parents to serve as powerful role model, and provide education, patriotism, knowledge, cultural and social awareness and civic responsibility for their children.
In their goodwill messages, the Commissioners: for Youth and Sports, Mr Idris Musa; Commerce, Mr Gabriel Olofu; and Health, Dr Zakari Usman, advised the children to make good use of their time, saying this is there time.
They urged parents to always be vigilant in monitoring their children especially on social media to prevent them from engaging in crime.
Usman encouraged the children dream big, saying they can be whatever they want to be if they put their mind in it irrespective of their background.
One of the children, Anita George, appreciated the first lady and the commissioner for women affairs for celebrating Kogi children.
