As Nigeria joined the global community in celebrating Children’s Day, Facado Orphanage Home in Abuja stood out with a powerful message of advocacy, unity, and compassion. The orphanage hosted a memorable event championing the fight against bullying while calling for stronger support systems for vulnerable children across the country.
The event, held on Tuesday at the orphanage’s premises, brought together children, caregivers, public servants, and civil society actors under this year’s global theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up – Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
The celebration combined lively activities with bold calls for action, underscoring the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for every Nigerian child.
In her keynote address, Amb. Mrs. Ngozi-Anih George, Founder and Director of Facado Orphanage, described bullying as a persistent and damaging challenge that undermines children’s rights and mental well-being.
“Bullying in all its forms physical, verbal, social, or cyber is a threat we must eliminate together. It robs children of their dignity, their safety, and their joy.
“We must raise a generation where empathy and respect are stronger than power and fear.”she said.
She led children in interactive drama and chants to reinforce the message of standing up for one another. The call-and-response chant “When I say stand up, you say speak up!” echoed throughout the compound, inspiring the young participants to speak out against bullying and injustice.
Amb. George further appealed to parents, educators, and community leaders to adopt open communication and proactive responses to bullying.
“It is not the job of the government alone. In every home, school, and neighborhood, we must act together to protect children. Let us stop bullying before it steals more futures,” she added.
The event also drew attention to the broader challenges faced by children under the orphanage’s care. Amb. George noted that several of the children are currently enrolled in secondary schools and universities but face difficulties in paying tuition and exam fees.
“They don’t give scholarships to vulnerable children, and that’s a serious gap. Every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background,” she emphasized.
The celebration featured special outreach activities led by Chief Route Commander Jash Davidson Okuobeya, Acting Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Apo Unit Command. She linked this year’s anti-bullying theme to FRSC’s Catch Them Young initiative, which instills safety consciousness and civic responsibility in children.
“These children are the leaders of tomorrow. By teaching them values like discipline and safety today, we’re investing in a more responsible and life-valuing society,” Okuobeya said.
The FRSC team conducted interactive sessions, safety demonstrations, and distributed educational materials specifically tailored for children.
Fale Adebowale, Chairman of Abo Progressive Foundation, also lent his voice to the cause, stressed the moral duty of society to care for children, especially those without immediate family support.
“We are here to be the family they don’t have, to show them they matter, and to remind them that they belong,” he stated.
The children themselves played an active role in the event. Young voices like Ogbu Chidera Rejoice, Precious, and Blessing Baird shared their dreams and heartfelt appeals for educational assistance, urged Nigerians to remember that kindness can change a life.
The celebration ended on a high note with lively dance performances, poetic recitations, and a renewed sense of hope and solidarity.
