By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta Area Command, Mrs. Judith Kanu, has called on parents, teachers, caregivers and government institutions to intensify efforts towards investing in the education, protection and moral development of children, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest hope for the future.
Kanu made the call on Friday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) at the Customs Barracks, Airport Road, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The colourful event attracted children, parents, customs officers and guests, and featured cultural dance performances, educational presentations, music, games and other entertaining activities.
Addressing the gathering, the Customs Area Comptroller said Children’s Day should serve as a period of reflection on society’s responsibility towards nurturing future leaders rather than being viewed solely as a day of celebration.
According to her, children represent hope, innovation and the promise of a brighter future, stressing that adequate guidance, quality education and sound moral values are essential for them to achieve their full potential.
“Children’s Day is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to recognize the value of our children and our collective responsibility to provide them with the right guidance, education, protection and opportunities they need to thrive,” she said.
She urged the children to remain committed to their studies, respect their parents and teachers, cultivate positive values and avoid negative influences capable of derailing their future ambitions.
“The future is very bright for you. You can make it brighter by preparing for it today through education and good character,” Kanu advised.
The Comptroller also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to supporting programmes that promote child welfare and youth development, noting that building responsible citizens is vital to national progress.
“As officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, we understand the importance of service, patriotism and responsibility. We have a duty to create a safe and supportive environment where our children can grow into responsible citizens who will contribute positively to national development,” she added.
She further commended parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers for their sacrifices and dedication towards raising the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and public servants.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Musa Muhammed, described children as precious gifts whose talents and aspirations must be carefully nurtured.
She said the Children’s Day celebration was organised to appreciate, inspire and encourage children while creating memorable experiences that combine learning with fun.
“Children are leaders, innovators and nation-builders. They are the foundation of the society we desire tomorrow. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility as parents and guardians to nurture them with discipline, quality education, moral guidance and compassion,” she stated.
Muhammed encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, respect their parents and elders, and maintain confidence in their abilities.
Also speaking, the Customs Mess Coordinator, Mrs. Amaka Agboma, underscored the importance of reading and education, describing knowledge as one of the most valuable assets any child can acquire.
She urged children to develop strong reading habits and advised parents to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and peer groups.
“There is a saying that readers are leaders. When you read, you gain knowledge that helps you build your future. Education can take you to places where wealth alone cannot reach,” she said.
The event climaxed with the cutting of the Children’s Day cake amid excitement and cheers from the children and guests, bringing to a close a memorable celebration dedicated to promoting learning, good character and the well-being of children.
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta Area Command, Mrs. Judith Kanu, has called on parents, teachers, caregivers and government institutions to intensify efforts towards investing in the education, protection and moral development of children, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest hope for the future.
Kanu made the call on Friday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) at the Customs Barracks, Airport Road, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The colourful event attracted children, parents, customs officers and guests, and featured cultural dance performances, educational presentations, music, games and other entertaining activities.
Addressing the gathering, the Customs Area Comptroller said Children’s Day should serve as a period of reflection on society’s responsibility towards nurturing future leaders rather than being viewed solely as a day of celebration.
According to her, children represent hope, innovation and the promise of a brighter future, stressing that adequate guidance, quality education and sound moral values are essential for them to achieve their full potential.
“Children’s Day is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to recognize the value of our children and our collective responsibility to provide them with the right guidance, education, protection and opportunities they need to thrive,” she said.
She urged the children to remain committed to their studies, respect their parents and teachers, cultivate positive values and avoid negative influences capable of derailing their future ambitions.
“The future is very bright for you. You can make it brighter by preparing for it today through education and good character,” Kanu advised.
The Comptroller also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to supporting programmes that promote child welfare and youth development, noting that building responsible citizens is vital to national progress.
“As officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, we understand the importance of service, patriotism and responsibility. We have a duty to create a safe and supportive environment where our children can grow into responsible citizens who will contribute positively to national development,” she added.
She further commended parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers for their sacrifices and dedication towards raising the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and public servants.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Musa Muhammed, described children as precious gifts whose talents and aspirations must be carefully nurtured.
She said the Children’s Day celebration was organised to appreciate, inspire and encourage children while creating memorable experiences that combine learning with fun.
“Children are leaders, innovators and nation-builders. They are the foundation of the society we desire tomorrow. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility as parents and guardians to nurture them with discipline, quality education, moral guidance and compassion,” she stated.
Muhammed encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, respect their parents and elders, and maintain confidence in their abilities.
Also speaking, the Customs Mess Coordinator, Mrs. Amaka Agboma, underscored the importance of reading and education, describing knowledge as one of the most valuable assets any child can acquire.
She urged children to develop strong reading habits and advised parents to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and peer groups.
“There is a saying that readers are leaders. When you read, you gain knowledge that helps you build your future. Education can take you to places where wealth alone cannot reach,” she said.
The event climaxed with the cutting of the Children’s Day cake amid excitement and cheers from the children and guests, bringing to a close a memorable celebration dedicated to promoting learning, good character and the well-being of children.
