Olori Atuwatse III Expresses Concern Over Growing Number Of Out-of-School Children, Calls For Collective Action To Tackle Crisis

Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, the wife of the Olu of Warri, has expressed concerns over the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, urging a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to address the issue.

She spoke at the Olu of Warri’s Palace, on Tuesday, during an event tagged; “Story Time with Mama Iwere”, as part of the activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day.

Speaking, she acknowledged the government’s efforts in tackling the problem which she said requires a collective responsibility, particularly from financially stable individuals and organizations.

Wife of the Olu of Warri, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, in a group photograph with the children.

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

According to her, governments at all level can still do more in addressing the ugly trend which, she said had contributed in “denying children access to quality education which happens to be one of their foundational rights and privilege as citizens”.

While encouraging love and unity among indigenes of various communities, so they can see every child as their children, she maintained that quality education is essential for building a better Nigeria and that it is our collective responsibility to ensure every child has access to it.

The Olori 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.

According to her; “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, which aimed to promote literacy and creativity among children, featured a rendition of Olori Atuwatse III’s novel, “The Singing Stars that found their Beats.”