By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Mrs Agyin Kefas, joined top government officials, pupils and students across the state in observing a one-minute silence and offering prayers for schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.
The solemn exercise formed part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Jolly Nyame Township Stadium in Jalingo.
Also present at the event was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen, alongside other government officials, some of whom were visibly emotional during the prayer session as they called on God to ensure the quick and safe return of the abducted children to their families.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Kefas explained that the celebration was rescheduled due to the Sallah festivities.
She said the decision to hold the programme after the holiday was intentional to enable students, teachers and parents participate fully in the special prayers for the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State, as well as victims of similar incidents in other parts of the country.
Represented by Mrs Dorathy Faransa, the governor’s wife prayed that the abductors would not know peace until the children and their teachers were released unharmed.
She also prayed for divine intervention against criminal elements in society and urged parents to provide proper upbringing for their children to help build a better society.
Mrs Kefas further commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his education intervention policies, noting that they had brought relief to many parents across the state.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen, described this year’s Children’s Day celebration as a moment for sober reflection, while emphasizing that it remains a celebration of the hopes, dreams, talents and limitless potential of every child.
According to her, the theme of the celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the need for collective action towards the welfare, education, protection and empowerment of children.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, dream and succeed regardless of gender and ability, background, religion or social status. As a government , we remain committed to creating an environment where every child can thrive and realize their full potential.”
Sinjen praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to child welfare, free and compulsory education, and also lauded the wife of the governor, Mrs Agyin Kefas, for her advocacy in child protection, girl-child education, healthcare and social welfare.
She noted that the First Lady’s efforts had positively impacted numerous children and families across the state.
“As we celebrate today, our hearts are also with the children recently abducted in Oyo state. We stand in solidarity with their families and pray fervently for their safe and immediate release. We commend the efforts of the security agencies and government authorities working tirelessly to rescue them and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
