By Ikpibako Shepherd
Schools authorities have been tasked to set up guidance and counseling units to assist victims of bullying and redirect those promoting the act to face their academic pursuit and contribute towards national development.
The Chairman of Patani Local Government, Hon. Isaac Aguanah made the appeal during this year’s Children’s Day celebration with the theme: “Stand up, speak up: building a bullying free generation”.
Hon. Aguanah said parents needed to instill godly values in their children so as to desist from carrying out ungodly acts or vices that will not contribute to human existence.
He appealed to parents not to stop supporting their children who engaged in bullying, stressing that once the family got it right, most of the problems associated with bullying will be half solved.
The local government boss used the occasion to urge the students to be courageous and bold to speak up when they are being bullied, while those that witness bullying during school hours should assist by reporting to the appropriate authority.
His words: “l want to use this medium to call on all stakeholders in the Nigeria child project to join forces to ensure that our children are directed in the right part. A good childhood depends largely on good parenting. The children deserve to be wanted and loved. They are our future leaders and it is important parents should commit time to them. Be a true friend without relinquishing your God-given authority and responsibility”.
Hon. Aguanah said children should use their time judiciously and should know that time waits for no one and that quest for pleasure through dubious means should be abhorred.
The chairman also appealed to them to desist from any action or behavior that are inimical to the peace and stability of their communities.
In his contributions, His Royal Majesty ,Barr. Shadrack Erubulu, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom tasked teachers to be more committed to their duties so that the children can be the future leaders as expected. He thanked the local government Chairman, Hon. Isaac Aguanah for his commitment towards education in the locality.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of three kid slide double, three slide, three swing, three STE saw and executive children table to student that won the quiz competition in government-owned primary schools, scrabble and football to all secondary schools in the locality, packets of chalk, six registers and marker pen to all schools in the local government area. Also, match past and award prizes climax the occasion.
