Education stakeholders, traditional leaders, government officials and pupils across Lagos State have called for stronger preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through education as children gathered to celebrate the 2026 Children’s Day themed “Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage.”
The event, covered by The Nigeria Education News, brought together pupils from different schools who participated in cultural displays, music, dance, debates, quizzes and other educational activities aimed at promoting unity, creativity and cultural consciousness among Nigerian children.
Stakeholders at the event stressed the importance of integrating indigenous languages, cultural values and traditional heritage into children’s learning processes to ensure future generations remain connected to their identity.
Speaking during the celebration, the Supervisory Councillor for Tourism, Hon. Mrs. Oluwabukola Oluwabamigbose Ajaja, reaffirmed Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring access to education for every child regardless of economic or social background.
According to her, the government continues to intensify efforts toward reducing the number of out-of-school children while strengthening school attendance across communities.
“Every child, rich or poor, must be in school regardless of background,” she said.
Ajaja further noted that Lagos State remains committed to investing in foundational learning, child protection policies and free education from primary to secondary school levels.
Expressing concern over the gradual decline in the use of indigenous languages among children, she stressed the urgent need to preserve cultural identity through early learning.
Also speaking, the Ologba of Ogba Kingdom, His Excellency Oba AbdulLateef Oladimeji Egbeyemi, described Lagos at 59 as “a shining example of excellence, enterprise and cultural diversity.”
The monarch emphasized that programmes promoting cultural education among children remain vital to preserving the rich heritage of Lagos State for future generations.
“The rich heritage that has made Lagos unique must be preserved and passed on to future generations through programmes such as this,” he said.
He encouraged children participating in the event to continue dreaming, learning and developing their talents through discipline, hard work and good character.
Similarly, the Speaker of the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS), LASU chapter, Mr. Mustapha Muhammed Ayodeji Ishola, stated that culture and education must work hand in hand to sustain Nigeria’s traditions and values.
According to him, the programme served as a platform for children to better understand the history, identity and cultural diversity of Lagos State.
“Our culture and tradition should be maintained and preserved in every space we find ourselves,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to deliberately protect their cultural heritage through education and community engagement.
In her remarks, the National Focal Person of the West African Women Association, ECOWAS, Mrs. Bola Adekunle Carew, commended Lagos State for promoting both academic excellence and extracurricular learning among children.
She noted that cultural education remains essential in raising responsible children with strong moral values.
“As much as academics are important, culture is also important,” she said.
Carew added that schools and parents must work together in teaching children indigenous languages, values and cultural identity from an early age.
Students interviewed by The Nigeria Education News also expressed excitement and satisfaction with the event, noting that they particularly enjoyed the cultural performances, academic quizzes and debate sessions.
One of the participants, Ayomide Oshil, described the programme as well-organised and educational, adding that it helped students better understand the history and diversity of Lagos State.
The celebration further highlighted the role of education in preserving culture while empowering children to appreciate Nigeria’s rich heritage and diversity.
