Parents and scholars have been urged to promote gender equality and provide opportunities for the empowerment of children from a young age.
The call was made during a play staged by Beautiful Beginning Academy Abuja with the theme: ‘People of the Sun’ which ignited the battle for identity, power, and survival. In the play voices long silenced rise in a gripping tale of resilience, reckoning, and the urgent fight against gender inequality.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner in the Federal Character Commissioner, Ginika Tor; who also represented the Minister of Women Affairs, reiterated the need to empower children to be aware of prevalent issues such as gender inequality and other societal issues.
She said: “as a proud parent whose child is a cast; the king in the play, I strongly believe that functional learning is the way forward for schools. Beautiful Beginning Academy has taken learning a step higher by empowering the students with knowledge, skills and positive attitude that will groom them to apply in real- life situations.
“Such exploration of talents will groom these children to function effectively in their daily lives, communities and as empowered adults in the future.”
For his part, the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba-Ndace reiterated organisation’s commitment to giving children a voice hence they are the bright future the country hopes for.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Digital Media – VON, Dr Qasim Akinreti, the director general acknowledged the portrayal of gender equality, culture and so many lessons projected in the play.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr Rosemary Nasa-Okolie applauded the children for demonstrating talents and skills way beyond her expectations.
Nasa-Okolie also called on the government, educational stakeholders and parents to encourage functional learning which will encourage the children with life long skills.
She said; “functional education is our style of education. We empower our children in knowledge, skills and character. The stage play you are watching today is a tale that ponders on gender equality and the need to promote all the sustainable development goals that will tackle problems caused by climate change. This is just the beginning for us and I encourage parents to embrace 21st century education.”
At the event, awards of excellence were presented to the Mandate Secretary to head of Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr Adedayo Benjamin- Laniyi, the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike and the Director General Voice of Nigeria, for their unwavering commitment in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and giving a voice to children through the media.
While expressing appreciation for the honour given to her, Ike emphasised on the need to empower the girl child just as the boy child; as this resonates with her story on becoming the first female NUJ FCT Council chairman in over 40 years of the council’s existence.
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