Olori Atuwatse III Says Tackling Out-Of-School Children; A Collective Responsibility

Ben Dunno, Warri

Wife of the Olu of Warri, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, has said that the alarming increase in cases of Out-Of-School Children across the country was worrisome, noting that concerned Nigerians must rise up to partner government in tackling the ugly trend rather than leaving it to government alone, insisting that it requires the collective efforts of everyone to address the issue.

Thus, she called on stakeholders in both private and public sectors, mostly International Oil Companies (IOCs), indigenous players in oil and gas industry, bankers and other financial institutions, religious bodies, educational establishments, embassies, United Nations and community indigenes who are financial stable to join hands together in tackling the problem.

According to her, although the government has been doing a lot in this regard, she said that the government can still do more in addressing the ugly trend that has contributed in denying children access to quality education which happens to be one of their foundational rights and privilege as citizens.

Expressing her concerns over the high rate of Out-Of-School Children while speaking with newsmen at the Olu of Warri, Palace, yesterday, during an event tagged; “Story Time with Mama Iwere”, as part of the activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day, Olori Atuwashe, canvassed love and unity among indigenes of various communities, so they can see every child as their children.

She noted that the rising cases of children dropping out of school would have been reduced drastically if every family that is financially stable in all communities can begin to take up the responsibility of adopting a child of those whose parents are not well to do, so that they can acquire basic education to make them better citizens.

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She continued; “We should encourage unity and communal living rather than individualistic lifestyle. Since quality and right education will make our country better, we should encourage the important values of selflessness, integrity, responsibility and honesty as passed on to us by our forebears”.

“Therefore, in view of the noticeable lack of access to schools, particularly in the Niger Delta creeks as well as lack of funding by many parents, the society has role to play, and not just Government alone.

“For parents that can, please look into how you can sponsor other children to school. Let’s collaborate and reawaken communal relationship by sending our children to school as human capital is the best asset any nation can boost of and Nigeria is blessed with huge human population”.

The event featured “Story Time with Mama Iwere”, a programme put together by the Wife of the Olu of Warri “to encourage literacy, creativity and innovation among young children, using story to give them sense of identity and to also imbibe worthy morals for children”.

A novel authored by the Wife of the Olu of Warri titled ‘The Singing Stars that found their Beats’ was renditioned to the children during the occasion.