Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has advised children not to yield to pressure to join thuggery that can truncate the brighter future the government and their parents plan for them. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who affirmed that children are the ‘leaders of tomorrow,’ said that there should be concerted efforts to massively invest in their education, healthcare, safety and conducive environments to harness their potential.  

The governor, who spoke on Monday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square in Akure, the state capital, to celebrate this 2024 edition of the Children’s Day, said that no sacrifice could be too big to make the children great in life. 

He stated, “It is our common song and belief that children are the leaders of tomorrow and here we are today promising and planning a brighter future for our dear children. On this premise, I wish to charge you dear children not to yield to any pressure to get involved in political thuggery that can truncate that brighter future the government and your parents are hoping for you.’’ 

The Ondo governor explained that the current administration on board would continue to give priority attention to all matters that will bring about the best in the children, adding that knowing full well that it would be a profitable investment to be reaped in the nearest future.

According to him, the government will not fold its hands from implementing the child-friendly policies and programmes and many more in the years to come for the well-being and all-round development of children in the state. 

“Our investment in our children now is directly related to securing our future and old age,” the governor added. 

Observing the cases of abuse, violence and sexual exploitation of children in the state, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to put up a serious fight against unscrupulous elements engaging in such acts of crime.

He said it was disheartening that many of the children had been subjected to violence and sexual exploitation by some adults who were supposed to care for and protect them.

He added, “This is highly unacceptable and we shall continue to put up a serious fight against these inhuman and ungodly practices by some unscrupulous elements in society. Dear children, be assured that our government shall continue to promote and empower the various institutions established by law such as the family (Children) courts for the observance of children’s rights in the state. We shall remain undaunted in our decision to continue to prosecute abusers of children’s rights, especially those involved in sexual and other dehumanising abuses. 

“This resolution is in the light of the realisation that there is no duty more important than ensuring that children are adequately protected and free from fear of any kind, to enable them to make use of their various talents for the development and benefit of mankind.” 

He also saluted the security agencies in the state for their good working relationship and collaboration with the government, particularly the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on child rights protection