Children are young and gifts from God. They are special breeds and blessings to society. This is why a day was set known as “Children’s Day” to celebrate them.
The Children’s Day celebration is sometimes celebrated through a public funfair with games like dancing, swimming, running, etc. which also involves parental exhibits.
Globally, the concept of the “Children’s Day” celebration has brought unity and togetherness which is a core asset of nation-building.
The first World Children’s Day was established in 1954 as a Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November to commemorate the Declaration of the Right of the Child by the United Nations, UN, General Assembly on 20 November 1959.
History of Children’s Day in the world is traced back to the USA in 1857 when a Pastor called Charles Leonard held a service for children in his church known locally as Children’s Day.
Another group gave credit to Turkey which has celebrated its International Children’s Day since 1920. And later the first International Children’s Day was declared in 1925 at the World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva, Switzerland.
In Nigeria, 27 May every year is traditionally the Children’s Day holiday where the children are granted a holiday as part of the government’s contributions to promoting social well-being in the country.
Most schools celebrate the occasion through various activities such as march pass in stadiums and so on. The occasion has exposed children to a better life where they have the opportunity of seeing the governor of their state live or his representative among other state officials to inspire and charge them to be good citizens of the Nation.
As we celebrate this year’s Children’s Day, let’s lay aside any belief that could bring about social vices within our community and Nation. And let’s embrace Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress as our Motto for the betterness of our dear Nigeria.
Happy Children’s Day!
