Children’s Day: CAN wants fear of God instill in children
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has urged parents to make the fear of God their watchword while instilling same in their children.
Its chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.
He urged parents to always exhibit the highest standard of personal discipline and model God’s love into their children through words and actions.
According to him, it is to increase awareness of the rights of children, their care and education.
He noted that the annual Children’s Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children.
“Tt is a special day set aside to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and improve children’s welfare.
“The importance of the day is to recognise, honour, celebrate and appreciate our children.
“The day presents us an opportunity to raise awareness on issues that are affecting children and help us appreciate that they are the future of societies.
“First, a parent is their child’s first teacher and must remain their best teacher throughout life.
“The proper role of the parent is to provide encouragement, support and access to activities that will enable the child master key developmental tasks,” he said.
Akinyemiju called on the government to guarantee the protection, maintenance and welfare of children while teachers set the tone for them, build a warm environment, mentor and nurture them.
”Community also has a role to play in the growth and development of a child, the community serves as a platform for the child to live a good personal and social life.
“Living in a safe and secure community allows a child to learn by himself, mingle with friends, neighbours and have access to a good education,” he said.
The CAN chairman stressed that there should be good governance, effective parenting and standardised education to reduce social vices in the society.
“Of course, education is the real tool used to develop the individual so that he becomes useful to the society.
“Government must therefore, ensure that every child has access to quality and affordable education, parents must give priority to education of their children.
“They must provide the necessary guidance and nurture that will shape the future of their children,” he said.
Akinyemiju however, advised children to focus on being well educated, stay away from bad habits and companions.
Mr Olushola Taiwo, a father, agreed that parents have a great role to play in the lives of their children.
“As parents, we are to nurture them morally and educationally. Any child or ward not nurtured properly by parents and guardians will definitely become a problem to the society.
“Also, parents must always watch and monitor their children, especially, when it comes to the use of the social media.
“Unfortunately, some parents have failed heavily in their role, that is why we have social vices all over.
“Train your children to embrace your culture, belief systems, good moral disposition, good education and on the need to be hardworking,” he said.
He added that parents’ first responsibility is in raising their children to acquire good morals while the government should impact patriotism in the lives of its citizens to reduce social vices.
