Abuja: African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, an NGO, has emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the empowerment of children as a core strategy for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Dr. Elizabeth Emeka-Onwucheka, Chairperson of the Education and Mass Literacy Committee at the AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, highlighted this need during the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration organized by the group.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘From the Streets to the Classroom’, aligns with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, envisioning a prosperous Africa where every child has access to education and dignity. Agenda 2063 is Africa’s strategic framework aimed at socio-economic transformation over a 50-year period, aspiring to make Africa a global powerhouse.
Dr. Emeka-Onwucheka stated that the call for empowering children is in line with the AU’s vision of an inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Africa. She stressed the pivotal role that children play in the continent’s development path. “The AU Agenda 2063 is big on creating the Africa we want. It is the children that we need to build the Africa we want because they are the future of Africa,” she said, emphasizing the importance of education in transforming the lives of African children.
The Assembly has partnered with Premiere Academy and Cradle2Harvard International Schools (C2HIS) to ensure that children in classrooms become ambassadors for out-of-school peers. The aim is to empower these children to advocate for the African dream and support their peers in transitioning from the streets to the classroom.
Christopher Akinsowon, Principal of Premiere Academy Lugbe, highlighted the plight of millions of African children who are out-of-school. He pointed out that these children are brimming with potential but face barriers such as school fees and environmental challenges. “Government legislation is very important. The role of government is key in addressing these challenges,” he added.
Students who participated in the event expressed their commitment to advancing the AU Agenda 2063 and emphasized the importance of helping out-of-school children return to education. Ms. Chikaima Ogunema, a student of Premiere Academy, praised the event for empowering her to contribute to Africa’s development. Similarly, Deborah Ogaji from Government Secondary School, Wuye, Abuja, shared that she felt empowered to become a change agent and assist other children in realizing their potential.
Mr. Ebere Bassit, another student, commended the program as a meaningful way to celebrate Children’s Day and support marginalized African children, including the homeless and orphans.
