As the world marks Children’s Day today, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has congratulated children for being a blessing to families and the world and advised them to equip themselves and prepare properly to take hold of the future as leaders of the next generation.

Governor Ikpeazu said the future of the world is in the hand of children and therefore urged them to study to show themselves approved as workmen that need not be ashamed.

He warned in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Godwin Adindu that parents and the educational institutions that mentor children will be failing in their responsibility if they do not focus attention in developing children that will have the capacity to right the wrongs of the past and change the world.

The Governor therefore urged parents and educational managers not to abdicate their roles of mentoring children and character building.

He advised children to take advantage of their opportunities in education and family to develop their potentials so that they will become good assets for the society.

Dr. Ikpeazu further noted that “in the face of a new world order with the accompanying value crisis, it has become imperative for the community and society to ensure that children imbibe positive values and be cultured in character and learning as to be able to face the challenges ahead.”

He advised Abia children to shun all forms of vices and negative influences and focus their energy towards becoming great ambassadors of the state and illustrious sons and daughters of their community.

Governor Ikpeazu used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment towards ensuring a secured future for the Abia children which is being demonstrated in the new educational programme directed at revamping the school system and creating a conducive learning environment for the children.

He said his administration is also firm in the policies towards the protection of the child against all forms of abuses like child labour, child trafficking, physical abuse and mutilation, adding that the school adoption programme is also aimed at giving all children in the state a chance towards gaining education.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu.