The Katsina government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, commemorated the International Day of Play in Mashi LGA on Thursday.

The event, held at Gamzo Primary School in Mashi LGA, brought together stakeholders who advocated for increased use of play as a tool for learning and child development.

The International Day of Play is observed every June 11 to promote awareness of the importance of play in children’s learning, development, and well-being.

Speaking at the event, Kabir Magaji, the executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, described the occasion as an important platform for advancing child-centred education.

Mr Magaji commended teachers for their dedication and described Mashi LGA as a suitable host for the programme.

“Mashi local government is the best location for accommodating such programmes, and the teachers here are very hardworking and brilliant,” he said.

Mr Magaji also praised Governor Dikko Radda for his commitment to improving access to quality education across the state.

Mannir Danjuma, the representative of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, congratulated the LGA and Gamzo Primary School for hosting the event. He assured participants of the ministry’s continued support for programmes aimed at enhancing children’s learning and overall development.

Hauwa Kai-Kai, the UNICEF focal person at SUBEB, said every child has the right to play and stressed that safe and inclusive play opportunities are critical to healthy childhood development.

“Through play, children explore, discover, and build critical life skills. UNICEF will continue to support Katsina state to integrate play into early childhood and basic education,” she said.

Mr Kai-Kai also urged parents to actively engage in play with their children, explaining that such interaction promotes emotional growth and helps protect them from negative influences.

The education secretary of Mashi LGEA, Kabir Ali, urged parents, particularly fathers, to devote time to playing with their children at home, noting that such engagement benefits their emotional and educational development. 

(NAN)