Orelope-Adefulire calls for bold action against illiteracy

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in commemoration of Children’s Day 2025, has appealed to leaders at every level of society to intensify efforts to secure a brighter future for children by eradicating illiteracy, advancing peace, and fostering environments where every child can flourish.

In a statement released by her media aide, Desmond Utomwen, on Tuesday, May 27, she stressed, “Leaders at all levels must continue to work assiduously to break the shackles of illiteracy, promote peace, and make the world a beautiful place for our children to live in. Our children deserve to grow up in a society where their dreams can blossom, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.”

She highlighted the centrality of children’s well-being to Nigeria’s development agenda and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presidential aide reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to impactful investments in critical sectors. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is expanding access to quality education through school rehabilitation, increased funding for basic education, and initiatives to boost enrolment—especially for the girl child,” she explained.

Orelope-Adefulire also detailed the work of her office, OSSAP-SDGs, in delivering integrated, people-centred interventions. “We have constructed and equipped over 12,000 model classroom blocks, digital learning centres, and fully equipped healthcare facilities in underserved rural communities nationwide,” she stated.

She further noted the alignment of these efforts with SDGs 3 and 4—focusing on good health and quality education—and described ongoing collaborations with federal and subnational partners to enhance learning conditions, improve access to primary healthcare for children, and promote hygiene and nutrition in schools.

Beyond infrastructure and health, Orelope-Adefulire pointed to capacity-building and advocacy initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, eliminating harmful practices, and empowering young people with essential life skills. “These efforts are preparing our children for future leadership and meaningful contributions to society,” she added.

However, she acknowledged persistent challenges: “While progress is being made, many Nigerian children still face poverty, conflict, displacement, and inequality.” She called for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships to reach the most vulnerable—out-of-school children, those in IDP camps, and those affected by insurgency.

“This year’s celebration should serve as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to those children whose rights and futures remain under threat,” she urged. “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.”

Orelope-Adefulire implored leaders in government, the private sector, religious institutions, civil society, and international partners to deepen their commitment to child-centred development. “There can be no meaningful progress without deliberate and sustained investment in the well-being of our children. The future of Nigeria and the achievement of the SDGs depend on how we nurture today’s young generation,” she asserted.

She concluded with a message of hope for children across Nigeria: “Remain hopeful and committed to your education and dreams. The government is taking strategic steps to build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria for you to grow, learn, and thrive.”