Why Anambra still ranks lowest in out-of-school children in Nigeria – Soludo

 Anambra State Gvernor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in education sector in the state.

He said Anambra remained the state with the lowest records of out-of-school children in the country, attributing the feat to the huge investment of his government on education.

Soludo spoke during the 2024 Children’s Day celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square which witnessed March past by school children and uniformed organisations, cutting of cake, cultural dance and fashion parade, among other activities

He said, “We’re here to celebrate our future, our future and others who were not able to join us here. This is the third time I’m witnessing children’s day since I assumed office, but this is the largest.

“I can see glorious future of Anambra and Nigeria as we behold their face. We’re deliberately investing in our children, who are our bridge. For skills needed here and exporting them.

“In two years, we’ve employed over 8000 teachers because they’re our greatest asset. Currently, Anambra has the lowest out-of-children in the country. We are targeting making it zero.

“We’re having sleepless nights nights because of you. Roads will wash away, sky-scraper will collapse, but investment in children will stand the test of time.”

While commending the teachers for their commitments in training the children, the governor assured that his government would not lower the bar in recruitment of standard teachers, stressing that Anambra children deserved the best.

“We call on everyone to invest in education because it is everyone’s responsibility. If you can save cost of your favourite brand of drink, you can buy a pencil for the child. That’s a way of investing in education,” he added.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and social welfare, Ify Obinabo urged parents to offer their children the needed parent-child relationship and make their homes more conducive for them to thrive amidst challenges.

“Governor Soludo’s manifesto shows that enhancing the wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through quality education and skills development of the Nigerian child is possible and achievable to build a livable and prosperous homeland.

“Enhancing the wellbeing of the Nigerian child is not the sole responsibility of government. It requires multi stakeholders synergy such as parents, guardians whose major role focuses on creating the needed healthy environment for our children to blossom,” she said.