Children’s Day is an annual celebration in Nigeria. Abebi is excited because the schools are closed on Children’s Day. Instead of going to school, the children get to participate in many special activities.

Abebi lives outside of town and has to travel into the city of Lagos for school. She is very lucky to be able to attend school and is happy to know that the leaders of Nigeria remember the importance of children to the future! Abebi and her classmates are going to parade around their state and march past the governor. Abebi is excited to see the governor because he always salutes them! Some government officials give speeches about the children, their leaders of tomorrow. There is music provided by the police band and traditional dances. Abebi loves to watch the excitement of the dancing.

Her favorite part of Children’s Day is the presentation of awards. Every year the most deserving children are presented awards for their good work. Abebi loves animals and understands their importance to Nigeria. This year she wrote a report for school on the endangered species all across the African continent and won an award! Her favorite animal is the samba, or lion, and her report focused on the disappearance of lions.

After the awards, Abebi goes to the fields to watch the annual Children’s Day football (or soccer) match with the rest of her classmates. The games are a great ending to a day full of celebration. Children’s Day is a fun day for the school children. Abebi wants to remind you that children provide hope for the future!