• Emphases EDSG continued commitment
From our news desk, Benin
On June 16, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah joined millions across Africa and the world to commemorate the International Day of the African Child observed annually, to celebrate the resilience, rights, and aspirations of the African children.
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This was contained in a press release by the Commissioner and made available to journalists in Benin by the Head, media, Daisy Osunde on Wednesday.
“This year’s commemoration serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and empower every child by ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, protection from abuse and exploitation, and opportunities for growth and development.
“Children are the foundation of our future, and investing in their well-being is essential to building a prosperous and inclusive society,” Mrs. Abdallah said.
Further, the Commissioner emphasizes that the Edo State Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where every child can thrive regardless of background, gender, or circumstance.
Through strategic policies, advocacy, and social intervention programs, the Ministry continues to champion the rights and welfare of children across the state, She reassured.
The Commissioner also calls on parents, guardians, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to work together in nurturing children, promoting their rights, and providing the support they need to reach their full potential.
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“As we mark the International Day of the African Child 2026, let us renew our commitment to raising a generation of confident, educated, healthy, and responsible young people who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Edo State, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.
“Happy International Day of the African Child.”
According to Wikipedia; the International Day of the African Child, also known as the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the OAU Organisation of African Unity.
This day honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976. It also raises awareness of the continuing need to improve the education provided to Indigenous African children.
On June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa, about 10,000 black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language.
Hundreds of students were shot, including Hector Pieterson. More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, with more than a thousand being injured.
On June 16 every year, governments, NGOs, international organisations,’ and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children in Africa.
In 2026, the African Union declared the theme: as “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063″.
This theme elevates water and sanitation to a continental political priority, recognizing them as catalysts for economic transformation, climate, resilience, public health and food security and regional stability.
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