By Mustapha Salisu
As part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Play (IDOP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Thursday organized a commemorative event at Kuka Bulukiya Primary School in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.
The event, held under the theme, “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” brought together pupils, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders to highlight the importance of play in the growth, learning and overall well-being of children.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Education Specialist, Mustapha Shehu emphasized that play is a fundamental right of every child and an essential component of healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development.
He called on governments, schools, parents and communities to create safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn and thrive through play.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Sagir Danbare, in his remarks welcomed participants and underscored the importance of play in every learning environment, noting its positive impact on children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Dala Local Government Area, Alhaji Surajo Ibrahim Imam commended organizers of the programme and expressed satisfaction with the state of education in the area.
He noted that the local government had recorded little or no complaints regarding education, adding that most observations and feedback received were geared towards improving and developing the sector.
The celebration featured various recreational and educational activities aimed at promoting children’s rights and raising awareness about the need to safeguard childhood experiences through play and social interaction.
The International Day of Play is observed annually to emphasize the critical role of play in nurturing creativity, resilience and lifelong learning among children. The 2026 theme, “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” reinforces the need to preserve opportunities for play as a means of ensuring the healthy development and well-being of children worldwide.
