“No Child Must Miss School Because of Poverty” – IGP Adamu (Rtd) Advocates on Children’s Day

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s Children’s Day, retired Inspector General of Police and APC gubernatorial aspirant in Nasarawa State, IGP Mohammad Adamu (Rtd), has made a passionate call for collective action to ensure no Nigerian child is denied access to education due to poverty.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Adamu congratulated Nigerian children, particularly those in Nasarawa State, describing the day as an opportunity to reflect on the rights and future of every child. He emphasized that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right, as recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

“This year’s theme, ‘Little Footsteps, Big Future’, highlights the importance of taking small yet impactful steps to secure the future of our children through quality education,” Adamu said.

Adamu lamented the high number of out-of-school children, especially in Northern Nigeria, and revealed that initiatives are already underway in Nasarawa State to return children from the streets to classrooms. According to him, the region must urgently change its narrative to protect its future.

“Poverty should never be the reason a child misses school,” he stressed, adding that all sectors of society — from government and traditional institutions to civil society and families — have roles to play in dismantling barriers to education.

He reaffirmed his commitment to policies that prioritize child development and education, should he be elected as governor, and urged Nigerians to recommit to protecting the rights of children.

“Education drives economic development,” Adamu noted. “To secure Nigeria’s future, we must invest in our children today.”

The retired police chief concluded by wishing all Nigerian children a happy and meaningful Children’s Day celebration.