By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Renowned Edo State philanthropist and Founder of Godsent Foundation, Dr. Osarodion Osagie, has called on the Federal Government to use the occasion of Children’s Day celebration to tackle the alarming rate of out-of-school children in the country.
Dr Osagie made the call in a statement made available to Journalists in Benin City.
He maintained that the growing challenges faced by Nigerian children, particularly the alarming rate of out-of-school children called for concerns.
He hinted that access to quality education remains one of the major problems confronting Nigerian children.
The founder of Godsent Foundation cited figures indicating that approximately 10.5 million children aged 5–14 are not attending school, with more severe statistics in the northern regions.
According to UNICEF, 10.2 million children are out of school at the primary level, 8.1 million at the junior secondary level, 12.4 million have never attended school, and 5.9 million dropped out early.
As the grand patron of the Nigerian Students and Youth Association (NISAYA), Dr. Osagie urged the presidency to make a decisive policy statement to address these issues.
He emphasized that solutions lie in effective partnerships between the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
He recounted his own efforts through the Godsent Foundation, which has helped return numerous children to school by offering free education, shelter, and medical care.
Osagie further urged all levels of government to collaborate with NGOs to secure a brighter future for the nation’s children.
“Children’s Day reminds us of the need to invest in our children. They are the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can build a solid future for both the born and unborn,” Dr. Osagie stated.
The founder of the NGO moreso called on the state governor to partner his organization so that the streets of Benin would be free from out-of-school children.
