‘Our desires from present administration’

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2016 Children’s Day and the country’s Democracy Day, some children told GBENGA AKINFENWA what government should do to make life more meaningful and bearable for their parents.

‘Govt Should Give Parents Child Allowance’
Now, we spend more money on our transport fare to school than before. I hear people talk about high cost of petrol and the value of our currency. However, my parents do not want us to miss out on the basic necessities, so they are now spending more on us. I want the government to give parents child allowance to help them take good care of us. I also want all Nigerians to work with government so that our economy can improve.
(Esther Sopein, Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.)

‘More Discipline Is Needed To Improve Quality Of Life’
It is very clear that the prices of many things have continued to go up nowadays. Yet my parents do not want their children to lack, so, they are putting in more efforts to provide the necessary things for us. They look for alternatives that still serve the same purpose. I think government should instil more discipline in the society generally to improve the quality of life.
(Rasaq Akintona, Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Solu-Ifo, Ogun State.)

‘Govt Needs To Enlighten Parents To Protect Their Children From Diseases’
What I notice with my parents is that they always try their best to ensure that their children are well catered for, no matter the situation. They don’t want us to suffer or lack anything. That was what they were doing and still doing even now that things are a bit difficult. I want government to constantly enlighten parents on how to protect their children from diseases that are affecting people all over the world today. (Adijat Akinyode, Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Solu-Ifo, Ogun State.)

OGUNDIMU

‘Buhari Should Do Something Quickly About The Economy’
Our parents do not want the economic problems the country is going through to have much impact on us, so they are making a lot of sacrifices. They ensure we get the necessary things of life, while they sometimes deprive themselves of certain things. The President should do something quickly about the economy, so that there can be more money for the country’s development.
(Rukayat Ogundimu, Igbore High School, Igbore, Abeokuta, Ogun State.)

‘All Sectors Should Be Given Equal Attention’
The standard of living before the new government took over was good, but better now except for the hike in the price of PMS. We wish to experience positive change under this new administration, as promised. The cost of living and standard of living should be improved on, by giving all sectors of the economy equal attention. (Boluwatife Ogundele, Chrismeon International College, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.)

‘The President Should Review Minimum Wage’
Before now, our parents took good care of us, as they attended to our numerous and unlimited needs. They provided for us academically and financially. With this new administration, they still provide for us, despite the hard time. The President should formulate good monetary policies that will stabilise the forex exchange and the economy. (Zainab Oluwalogbon, Chrismeon International School, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.)
‘Government Should Give Maximum Attention To Power Sector’

BOLUWATIFE

The level of care we received from our parents before now was so much. But now, they are struggling to ensure that our needs are met at the expense of their own pressing needs. Government should give maximum attention to the power sector, since the industries and firms depend a lot on it for survival. The issue of security should also be taken seriously to safeguard the lives of the people and their properties. If our security is in place, the issue of kidnapping will be adequately addressed.
(Seyi Ogundele, SITO God’s Time Nursery & Primary School, Ekoro, Abule-Egba, Lagos )

‘We Need Policies On Free Education And Healthcare For Children’
Though my parents lament about the economic condition of the country, but their level of care for us has not changed. They are giving us everything needed to be better in life. So, in my house we are still enjoying.

The President needs to make workers’ welfare a serious issue. Policies that will directly affect children’s lives such as free education and quality healthcare system for children.

Boluwatife Peter, SITO God’s Time Nursery & Primary School, Ekoro, Abule-Egba, Lagos