By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
May 27, 2026 —
As Nigeria marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration amidst growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship, international businessman, and founder of the OAU Foundation, High Chief Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), has showered glowing praises on children in Abia State, describing them as symbols of hope, excellence, and the future strength of the nation.
In a statement issued to newsmen to commemorate the annual celebration, the respected entrepreneur paid tribute to the resilience, brilliance, and determination consistently demonstrated by Abia children despite the social and economic realities confronting the country. He noted that the young people of Abia State have continued to distinguish themselves in academics, innovation, leadership development, sports, and cultural excellence, thereby reinforcing the state’s reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional talents and future global leaders.
According to OAU, the story of the Abia child remains one of courage, discipline, creativity, and ambition. He applauded pupils and students across the state for maintaining remarkable academic performances and displaying unwavering commitment toward building meaningful futures for themselves and society at large. He stressed that the achievements recorded by many young people from the state are proof that Abia possesses enormous human capital capable of transforming Nigeria if properly nurtured and supported.
The OAU Foundation founder further commended parents, guardians, teachers, and mentors who continue to sacrifice daily in shaping the moral and intellectual foundations of children. He emphasized that beyond physical infrastructure and economic investments, the greatest asset any society can possess is a generation of enlightened, disciplined, and purpose-driven children. He therefore urged stakeholders across communities to remain intentional in providing love, guidance, mentorship, and opportunities that will help children maximize their God-given potentials.
Akym also applauded the administration of Gov. Alex Otti for the ongoing renovation of public schools and massive infrastructural transformation across Abia State. He noted that the rehabilitation of educational facilities, improvement of road networks, and renewed focus on public sector development have started restoring confidence among citizens and creating a more conducive environment for learning and growth. According to him, sustained investments in education and infrastructure remain critical pillars for building a prosperous future for Abia children and generations yet unborn.
Speaking on governance and public responsibility, Onyekwere Akym Uche challenged political leaders and policymakers at all levels to move beyond symbolic Children’s Day ceremonies and demonstrate genuine commitment toward improving child welfare. He called for urgent investments in standard educational infrastructure, improved learning environments, teacher development, technological integration in schools, and comprehensive child protection systems capable of shielding children from abuse, exploitation, street hawking, and school dropouts caused by poverty and neglect.
He maintained that the true greatness of any government is measured not merely by political rhetoric, but by how effectively it secures the future of its children. According to him, every child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, security, and opportunities irrespective of social background, insisting that sustainable national development can only be achieved when governments prioritize the protection and empowerment of younger generations.
Meanwhile, Onyekwere Akym Uche expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies to immediately intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims. He described the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable, especially during a period meant for celebrating children across the nation. Akym insisted that Nigeria cannot genuinely commemorate Children’s Day while innocent pupils remain in captivity, urging the Federal Government to launch decisive security operations capable of securing the safe return of the abducted children and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
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