Abuja, Nigeria – Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to raising a generation of healthy, educated and productive citizens, declaring that the wellbeing of Nigerian children remains central to the country’s long-term development agenda. Speaking at the Young Voices Promoting Health: Dialogue with Children in Abuja, the Minister described young people as Nigeria’s greatest national asset and future leaders whose health, education and overall wellbeing must be protected and nurtured.
Addressing students, educators, health professionals and civil society stakeholders, Dr. Alausa emphasized the critical role of healthy lifestyles, personal hygiene, proper nutrition, disease prevention and immunization in securing a brighter future for the nation. He noted that empowering children with accurate health information equips them to make informed decisions, develop positive habits and contribute meaningfully to society.
One of the defining moments of the dialogue came during an interactive session when a student of Vine Dresser Academy asked how children can effectively manage stress and anxiety. In response, the Minister urged young people never to suffer in silence, stressing that the first step toward overcoming emotional challenges is to speak openly with trusted adults. He encouraged students experiencing stress or anxiety to seek support from parents, teachers, school nurses, family members and trusted friends, describing open communication as both a powerful coping mechanism and an essential pathway to healing.
Dr. Alausa further advised students to identify the underlying causes of emotional distress, explaining that factors such as inadequate sleep, poor time management, bullying, academic pressure and unhealthy routines can often be addressed through practical interventions and support systems. “The most important thing is to talk about it,” he said, emphasizing that early action and timely support can prevent temporary challenges from developing into more serious mental health concerns.
The dialogue also reinforced the importance of immunization as a cornerstone of child health. Participants listened to compelling testimonies from individuals living with disabilities resulting from vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio, measles and rubella. The Minister described the accounts as powerful reminders of the devastating consequences of preventable illnesses, reiterating that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for protecting children and securing healthier futures. He linked the initiative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of investing in Nigeria’s human capital by ensuring that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, safety and opportunities to thrive.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, called on students to become “health champions” within their homes and communities by promoting healthy behaviours and supporting vaccination efforts. He highlighted the strong synergy between the education and health sectors, noting that meaningful learning can only take place when children are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Dr. Aina also encouraged eligible girls to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. As the event concluded, Dr. Alausa commended the organisers, led by Dr. Lola Mabogunje, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding similar engagements nationwide, underscoring a simple but enduring truth: investing in the health of children today is an investment in the prosperity, stability and future success of Nigeria.This version elevates the story from a routine event report to a high-impact national development feature while preserving all the key facts, quotes, and policy messages.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment