By Queen Kunde
Abuja was awash with colour, music, and youthful energy as students from across the Federal Capital Territory converged to celebrate the 2025 Children’s Day Carnival, themed “Unity in Diversity, One Voice, One Nation: The Nigerian Dream.” The second edition of the Youth Alive/Children’s Day Carnival, organized by the FCT Tourism Volunteers Network in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Social Development Secretariat, showcased the vibrancy of Nigeria’s cultural mosaic while promoting values of unity and nation-building.
Convener and FCT Coordinator of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Dr. Charity Akpamgbo, in her welcome address, said the event was more than a celebration it was a “clear call to action” to nurture Nigeria’s future leaders through culture, civic engagement, and creativity.
“Our children are the most valuable asset of this nation,” Dr. Akpamgbo said. “Today reminds us that the Nigerian Dream starts with investing in them—not just materially, but through values, mentorship, and national pride.”
Dr. Akpamgbo, who is also the Managing Director of Icherry Travels and Global Concept, thanked partners and sponsors who ensured the event ran smoothly and created a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Representing the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Hajia Hajara Titillayo Alayande, the Director of the Department of Quality Assurance praised the initiative, calling it “a strategic step in using culture and sports to build responsible, empowered future citizens.”
She reaffirmed the Education Secretariat’s commitment to supporting programs that instill patriotism, leadership, and cultural identity in students, describing the event as a “transformative experience” for the participants.
The event’s highlight was a spirited Cultural Parade Competition, where 12 schools showcased dances representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Government Secondary School, Karu took first place for their Gbagyi cultural display, while Government Secondary School, Lugbe claimed second with a vibrant Igbo/Yoruba fusion. Government Day Secondary School, Karu rounded out the top three.
In the football arena, Government Secondary School, Jabi triumphed over El-Amin International School in a friendly match that had the crowd cheering.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mrs. Ann Dogo, Director of the FCT Department of Tourism; representatives from the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Police Force, National Park Service, and the DG of the Fire Service, as well as the Founder of Horizon University, Ekiti State.
Speakers throughout the day emphasized the importance of catching children young and instilling positive values that will help them shape Nigeria’s future.
As the sun set over the capital, one message rang clear: the future of Nigeria is not just bright it is vibrant, united, and filled with promise.
