The former deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has challenged governments across the country to deal decisively with the menace of over 20 million out-of-school children.
He submitted that this would assist in building leadership skills, acumen, dexterity, and morals in the children, coupled with inculcating societal norms and ensuring the sustainable development of the nation.
Prince Madumere stressed that children are the leaders of tomorrow and the future of the country and government. He said the parents must take seriously issues concerning their academics, welfare, and moral upbringing so as to build a civil, egalitarian, and equitable society.
Prince Madumere made this call while addressing journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. This year’s celebration theme is “Little Steps Big Future”.
The event with the theme, “Children have a Voice, Lend Them Your Ears”, was part of activities by CALDEV to mark the 2025 International Children’s Day.
He highlighted that the ratio of out-of-school children in the country is alarming and a national embarrassment that must be addressed frontally.
Prince Madumere submitted that the country’s collective future does not present a sustainable scenario and would appear unsecured if the increasing number of out-of-school children across the country were not addressed.
He urged Nigerians to prepare and celebrate their children on May 27 as a mark of honour and respect for their dignity and future prospects.
Prince Madumere, an American trained technocrat revealed that there is need for thinking out of the box on the way forward for the compulsory education of the Nigerian children.
He, however, expressed optimism that with proper planning, critical thinking and adequate budgetary provisions, the sky would be the starting point for the children.
