2026 Children’s Day: Gov Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Child Development

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

ABIA – Governor Alex Otti has restated the commitment of his administration to investing in the future through equipping the children for a progressive, prosperous and ideal society.

Governor Otti who made the statement during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration organised by the State Government at the Umuahia Township Stadium, said his administration has remained focused on creating opportunities and building systems that would enable children to realise their full potential.

The Governor who entitled his speech “A Responsibility to Dream”, noted that children remain the most valuable resource of society and the driving force behind the policies and programmes of his administration.

The state Chief Executive added that the state has consistently allocated 20 per cent of its annual budget to the education sector as well as assumed full responsibility for basic public school education with the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers to improve the quality of learning across schools.

Governor Otti while listing ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including road networks cutting across the three senatorial zones of the state, described them as part of a strategy to building a more prosperous environment for children to thrive.

The governor, however, urged children to remain disciplined, hardworking and focused, while encouraging teachers and parents to continue to play active roles in shaping responsible citizens.

He also called for greater inclusion of children with disabilities in public celebrations and educational activities, insisting that they must not be marginalised in any aspect of society.

Governor Otti commended his wife Mrs Priscilla Otti, and her team for organising the celebration, which featured performances, exhibitions, presentations and match past by pupils and students across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, described the event as a reminder of the collective responsibility towards children and reiterated the state government’s commitment to child protection, quality education, healthcare and the promotion of opportunities that enable children to grow into responsible citizens.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described Abia as fortunate to have leadership that prioritises children’s development, noting that reforms in the education sector were positioning students to compete with their peers globally.

He encouraged pupils and students to take advantage of the improved learning environment, remain obedient, and commit themselves to their studies.

In his remarks, the State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Izunna Iweobi, while applauding Governor Otti for his huge investment in Abia children,called for collective action against human trafficking.

He expressed the desire of the agency to partner with the state government to sustain the fight of human trafficking.

The Wife of the Governor Mrs Priscilla Otti, the deputy Governor Chief Ikechukwu Emetu and host of other distinguished Nigerians attended the event.