Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership over insecurity and the condition of children in the country, urging public officials not to issue “Happy Children’s Day” messages.
In a statement released on Children’s Day, Ezekwesili said political leaders at the federal and state levels had failed Nigerian children and lacked the moral right to celebrate them.
The founder of Human Capital Africa accused the political class of abandoning children to insecurity, poor education and inadequate social protection.
She specifically referenced the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, as well as previous kidnappings of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.
According to her, many of the abducted children remain missing, while insecurity has forced the closure of thousands of schools across the country.
Ezekwesili called on political leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, members of the National Assembly and state lawmakers, to acknowledge what she described as their failure to guarantee the safety and welfare of children.
She said government officials should account for public spending on education, healthcare and child protection instead of issuing what she described as “hypocritical” Children’s Day statements.
The former minister also urged leaders to focus on securing the release of children still in captivity, including the Chibok schoolgirls and other abducted pupils across the country.
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