The Taraba State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising and championing children’s education as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, disclosed this during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Rev. Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, on Monday.
Speaking on the theme , “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child”, Mrs. Sinjen said Governor Agbu Kefas’s administration has declared free education for primary and secondary schools, and made basic education compulsory for all Taraba children. She described the policy as “first to none” and a bold step toward inclusive development.
“Today reminds us to celebrate the hopes, dreams, talents, and limitless potential of every child. The future we desire for our nation begins with the decisions we make today regarding the welfare, education, protection, and opportunities for our children,” the commissioner said.
She stressed that every child, regardless of gender, ability, background, religion, or social status, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, dream, and succeed. “Dr. Kefas’s government remains a cornerstone of support, providing learning conditions that enable every child to realise their full potential,” she added.
Mrs. Sinjen commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his high-level commitment to education and to the ministry. She also praised the governor’s wife, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, for her motherly role and for driving policies that advance the welfare of women and children in Taraba. She pledged that the ministry under her watch would continue implementing government policies for the progress and development of every woman and child in the state.
The commissioner expressed joy at parents’ and guardians’ unwavering commitment to their children’s education and moral upbringing, urging them not to relent.
In an emotional moment, Mrs. Sinjen expressed deep pain and solidarity with the school children abducted in Oyo State in early May 2026. She prayed for their immediate and safe release, warning that the abductors “will know no peace until those children are reunited with their parents, guardians, and relatives.”
Guest Sppeaker, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas Elissa, founder of the Mariben Foundation, charged children to dream big and look beyond any obstacle. “No challenge is insurmountable. Disability should not be a barrier to breakthrough and progress in life. Taraba children belong to the global community,” she said.
The governor’s wife who was represented by Mrs. Dorcas Baransa, wife of General Baransa commended Mrs. Sinjen for vigorously implementing all government policies on women and child development in the state, and pledged continued government support for the overall development of women and children to grow into responsible citizens.
The Speaker of the Taraba State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Tyolanga Ephraim, called on the Federal Government to urgently stop the abduction of school children and teachers to prevent a collapse of the education sector.
Rt. Hon. Ephraim condemned criminal elements targeting innocent pupils and teachers, saying they “must be stopped by fire and thunder” to save Nigerian children and educators.
He said in an emotional tone that children and teachers no longer feel safe, and the worsening insecurity has sent waves of fear to pupils, teachers, and guardians, discouraging school attendance. He joined prayers for the speedy and unhurt release of the Oyo children abducted in May 2026.
The 2026 Children’s Day celebration featured interfaith prayers for the expedient release of the abducted Oyo school children, prayers against insecurity nationwide, and calls on the Federal Government to redouble efforts to end the kidnapping of students and school children across the country.
The event brought together school children, parents, government officials, and civil society groups in a show of solidarity for inclusive education and child protection in Taraba State.
