“An Injury To One Is An Injury To All” — Remo Youth Association (RYA) General Secretary, Comrade Saliu Olamide Daniel (GENESIS), Dedicates 2026 Children’s Day To Kidnapped Nigerian Children
By Oludare Joshua
The General Secretary of the Remo Youth Association (RYA), Comrade Saliu Olamide Daniel, popularly known as Genesis, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to all children across Remo Land and Nigeria at large on the occasion of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
In his Children’s Day message, Genesis described children as the pride, strength, and future of every nation, stressing that every society that truly values its future must prioritize the safety, welfare, education, and emotional wellbeing of its younger generation.
However, he noted with deep sorrow that this year’s Children’s Day celebration comes at a painful and emotional moment in the history of Nigeria, as parents across the country are celebrating in grief, fear, and uncertainty due to the growing insecurity challenges confronting the nation.
The RYA General Secretary particularly lamented the recent heartbreaking abduction of several toddlers and young children in Ogbomosho, area of Oyo State by suspected terrorists and unknown gunmen, noting that while many children are celebrating with their families today, some innocent children remain trapped in captivity, far away from the comfort, love, joy, happiness and protection they deserve.
Genesis specifically expressed profound compassion and solidarity with little Christianah Akanbi, a 2-year-old girl, and Sikiru Salami, a 3-year-old boy, who are reportedly still being held by their abductors. According to him, these innocent children represent the true symbol of courage, pain, and resilience during this year’s Children’s Day commemoration.
He described them as the “real heroes and heroines”, the most honoured children, and the iconic faces of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, emphasizing that Nigerians will never forget their suffering, pains, and sacrifices. He added that every child across Nigeria shares in their grief and continues to hope and pray for their safe return in peace, joy and happiness.
While speaking on national security and governance, Genesis commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its relentless efforts and decisive actions in addressing insecurity across Nigeria. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s contributions toward economic growth, infrastructural development, educational advancement, and national progress.
Nevertheless, he passionately appealed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and all security agencies in the country to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the abducted children and all other innocent victims currently in captivity.
According to Genesis, the cries and pains of these innocent children must not be ignored, as they represent the future and hope of Nigeria. He urged the government and security operatives to act swiftly and decisively to ensure that the victims are safely reunited with their families.
He also extended heartfelt sympathy to the parents and relatives of the abducted children, stating that he deeply shares in their pain, emotional trauma, and sleepless nights. He encouraged them not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in prayers and faith, expressing confidence that ongoing security intelligence operations would eventually lead to the safe rescue of their children.
He further charges the grieving families that their current tears and sorrow would soon be transformed into joy, peace, and celebration as their children would return home safely and in good health.
In conclusion, Genesis appealed to parents and Nigerians across the country to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day with moderation and sober reflection, noting that the present situation in the nation calls for compassion, unity, and collective concern rather than extravagant celebrations, occasions and festivities.
He urged citizens to avoid excessive partying, social merriment, and lavish celebrations, while encouraging everyone to use this anniversary to honoured those kidnapped children, and stand in solidarity with the grieving families whose children remain in captivity.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” Genesis stated, while calling on Nigerians to continually speak up against insecurity and support every effort aimed at protecting the lives and future of Nigerian children, their respective community, land the nation at large.
