By Abubakar Baba Ahmad
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment AGILE in collaboration with the Bauchi State government has organised a Prayer session for children in captivity and those facing various forms of Violence across the country.
The session which is part of activities marking the 2026 National Children Day celebration with the theme Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for every Nigerian Child”, featured March past, cultural dances, Art exhibition and crafts among others.
Speaking at the event, the State AGILE Project Coordinator Hajiya Ladi Hamma said every child regardless of status or background is entitled to quality and accessible education, hence the resolve to remember all the abducted children across the country and to pray for their safe return.
Ladi Hamma expressed commitment to child safety, expanding access and inclusive learning to enable every child become productive and useful to the society.
“As we celebrate today, our hearts remain with all children who are victims of insecurity and conflicts across our nation. We particularly remember our abducted school children and their families who continue to endure pain and uncertainty. We pray for their safe return and reaffirm our collective commitment to creating schools that are safe, secure and conducive for learning”, the AGILE PC says.
Declaring the event Open, the State Commissioner of Education Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Malam Ahmed Ibrahim said the event is to recognise the status of children and the critical role of stakeholders particularly AGILE project in empowering children to realise their potentials.
” Children are the greatest asset of any society. You are the leaders, innovators and change makers of tomorrow. Your education, wellbeing and development remain a priority because investing in children is investing in the future of our communities, our states and our nation. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people and help them reach their full potential”, Abdulkadir Ibrahim assures.
On her part, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Lydia Tsammani represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Hajiya Talatu Musa charged parents and other stakeholders to contribute to the security and protection of children in schools and at home to guarantee a brighter future.
“Our heart goes out to the families and communities affected by the recent abduction of school children, this reminds us that while the government is committed to protecting the lives and property of the citizens, we also have a responsibility to protect ourselves. I will encourage everyone of us to stay alert, be prayerful and commit our protection to the hands of God”, She advises.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Director General SDGs Mrs Lydia Shehu, Acting SBMC Chairman Malam Usman Sambo, Executive Chairman SUBEB Alhaji Abubakar Isa, representative of Nuture Her Foundation, and religious leaders Malama Juwairiyya Usman and Dr Mercy Agene prayed for the protection of every child against all forms of violence.
Out of the seven schools that participated in the march past event, Sunshine International School came first with fifty thousand naira cash reward, followed by Sa’adu Zungur Comprehensive Secondary School with thirty thousand naira and Government Girls College GGC Bauchi as third with twenty thousand naira reward.
