By Fatima Saka
Nigeria – As nations around the globe mark Children’s Day, Facado Orphanage Home in Abuja stood out in celebration, calling for a united front against bullying and advocating for a nurturing environment for all Nigerian children especially the most vulnerable.
The event, held on Tuesday at the orphanage compound, brought together children, caregivers, public servants, and stakeholders, echoing this year’s global theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up – Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In a passionate speech, Amb. Mrs. Ngozi-Anih George, Founder and Director of Facado Orphanage, declared bullying “a threat we must eliminate together”.
She emphasized that bullying in all its forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyber continues to rob children of safety and dignity. “Bullying is the violation of a child’s rights. We must raise a generation where empathy and respect are stronger than power and fear,” she said.
George led the children in interactive chants and drama, reinforcing messages of courage and action:
“When I say stand up, you say speak up!” resonated across the compound, as the children demonstrated what it means to reject silence and support each other.
“Let us build a generation where children feel safe, heard, and supported every single day.” Amb. George amplifiereid.
She further appealed to parents, schools, and communities to embrace open communication and actively report incidents of bullying. “It is not just the job of the government. In every home, school, and street, let us stop bullying,” she added.
Beyond the anti-bullying campaign, the celebration highlighted the daily challenges faced by orphans. George disclosed that several of the home’s children are currently in university and secondary school, with urgent needs for school fees and exam registrations. “They don’t give scholarships to orphans, and that’s wrong. Every child deserves a chance to succeed,” she urged.
In celebration of Children’s Day, Chief Route Commander Jash Davidson Okuobeya, the Acting Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Apo Unit Command, led a series of outreach activities designed to engage and educate young Nigerians on road safety.
She praised this year’s theme, emphasizing its alignment with the FRSC’s long-standing child-focused initiative, Catch Them Young, which seeks to introduce children to essential road safety values and practices from an early age.
Okuobeya highlighted the importance of nurturing a generation that prioritizes safety, discipline, and civic responsibility. “These children are the leaders of tomorrow,” she stated during the event. “By instilling these values early, we are not just teaching them how to cross the road safely, we are laying the groundwork for a future generation of responsible citizens who respect the rules, value life, and contribute positively to society.”
The event featured interactive sessions, safety demonstrations, and distribution of educational materials tailored for children. Okuobeya reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to community engagement and education, especially among young people, as a critical step toward reducing road accidents and building a culture of safety nationwide.
Also present was Fale Adebowale, Chairman of Apo Progressive Foundation, who emphasized the moral responsibility of society to protect children, especially those in orphanages. “We are here to be the family, they don’t have to show them they matter,” he said.
The children themselves were not left out. Young voices like Ogbu Chidera Rejoice, Precious, and Blessing Baird shared their dreams, messages of kindness, and appeals for help with school fees and better opportunities.
The celebration ended with great excitement, as the children participated in dance activities, recitations and cutting of cake.
Distinct News reports that as Nigeria continues to confront issues affecting children from access to education to mental well-being, events like this at Facado Orphanage underscore the power of community action and advocacy in shaping a future where no child is left behind or bullied into silence.
