*Demands urgent action on school safety

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of Nigerian schoolchildren, saying the country cannot claim progress while many children remain in captivity for years.

Obi made the remarks on Tuesday in his Children’s Day message where he celebrated Nigerian children, but decried worsening insecurity affecting schools and young people across the country.

The former Anambra State governor described Nigerian children as resilient, talented, and full of promise, insisting that the nation’s future depends on deliberate investment in education, healthcare, and child protection.

Said Obi: “Dear children, happy celebrations!

“As we honour you today, I reflect on the incredible talent, energy, and resilience you possess. You are not only the future of our nation but also its vibrant pulse in the present.”

According to him, every Nigerian child deserves access to opportunities that will help them compete favourably with their peers globally.

“Each time I look into the eyes of a child in Nigeria—whether in a classroom, a displaced persons’ camp in Benue, or on the streets of Lagos—I see unparalleled potential. I envision future scientists, tech visionaries, leaders, and builders who can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best if they have access to the right resources,” he stated.

Obi, however, lamented that many children are still denied access to quality education and healthcare, stressing that leadership should be judged by how well it protects the younger generation.

“The true measure of a nation’s leadership lies in how it cares for its youngest members. It is unacceptable that countless children remain out of school, and that essential healthcare and safety are seen as privileges instead of rights,” he said.

The former governor maintained that Nigeria’s development would remain stunted without serious investment in human capital development.

“To transform Nigeria from a nation of consumption to one of production, we must begin by investing significantly in you,” Obi added.

Speaking further on insecurity and school abductions, Obi said his heart remained heavy despite the Children’s Day celebration because several Nigerian children are still being held by kidnappers.

“After congratulating Nigerian children as they celebrate their day today, my heart remains heavy and troubled, knowing that some Nigerian children have remained in captivity for years,” he said.

“It is a shame that days, weeks, months, and even years have passed while our children continue to languish in kidnappers’ dens, with their heartbreaking images still circulating on social media.”

Obi described the situation as a national disgrace and criticised the inability of authorities to adequately protect schoolchildren and vulnerable communities.

“A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community,” he stated.

“No parent can bear the shame of being unable to protect his or her children, yet here we are as a nation, moving on while our children continue to suffer in forests and captivity for years.”

He urged leaders, parents, and stakeholders to prioritise the welfare, safety, and education of children, warning that neglecting them would amount to mortgaging the future of the country.

“We will continue our efforts to cultivate a new Nigeria—one where your dreams are recognised, schools are safe, and your future is assured,” Obi concluded.