A group, Treasured Points Of Light Foundation (TPOL) have called on the government at all levels to redouble their efforts at tackling the increasing number of out-of-school-children in Nigeria.
The group advocated for sustainable funding for the educational sector in order to get the over 20 million children back to school.
The Team Lead, Treasured Points of Light Foundation, Damilola Onebamhoin while speaking to newsmen, during an outreach program, organised in partnership with Rite Foods Limited for 350 children of the slum in Abeokuta, the state capital, argued that numerous potentials are locked up in many of the affected children, which could benefit the nation if properly nurtured through education.
The outreach was part of activities marking 2024 international children’s day.
She stated the rise in inflation has led many children to do menial jobs and has resulted in the increasing number of out of school children.
She further stressed that if the children get the best of care, despite being from the slum, their future will be secured with the right policies.
She said “Government should empower the parents of these children for them to be financially capable to send their children to school. Government should also work on the economy, with a sustainable economy, every parent will have enough money to send their children to school.”
In his remarks, the Cooperate Communications Manager, Rite Foods Ltd, Innocent Adulugba said the organisations focus is by doing the right things always, hence the need to support programmes like the Children’s day.
Adulugba noted that the celebration promotes togetherness and awareness among children worldwide and as such it is a worthy cause to partner with Treasured Points of Light Foundation.
He said, “it borders on the purpose of sustainability because children are projects for the long term. Today, tomorrow and in the future, children will complete their growth cycle into adulthood. The society must support children to grow with the right mentality and care within the right and suitable environment.
Rite Foods Ltd. is relentless in improving children’s welfare and helping society to appreciate children as the future pillars of our country, and the world at large.”
