The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), an NGO, says 10.5 million children in Nigeria who are out of school pose a threat to the security of the country.
The President of NAS, Port Harcourt Chapter, Mr Ken Henshaw, made the assertion when the organization held its 2020 free medical outreach program to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary for the residents of Rumuolumeni in Obiakpor Local Government Area in Rivers on Thursday.
Henshaw lamented that the current data released by United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on out-of-school children in the world rated Nigeria the highest with 10.5 million children.
“This report shows that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, and we have a population of 180 to 200 million people with 10.5 million children without future, education or skill.
“The question is in the next 10 years when Nigeria will be 70 years, where will these 10.5 million out-of-school children be, or what will they be doing; this tells you that insecurity in the country will be on the increase,” Henshaw said.
Also, he regretted that Nigeria at 60 had yet to get it right in education, health, security, and poverty alleviation for its citizens as a country.
“Today, Nigeria is 60. We are looking back at 60 years of independence, the reality of the nation today is it commensurate with the hope and expectations that ushered our independence in 1960? The answer is no.
“What we have today is agitation for disintegration from different regions which threaten the nation’s unity,” he said.
The group donated medical equipment to the community health centre, held free medical care, health talk on colon cancer, COVID-19, and general health talk.
In his goodwill message, Eze Ndubeze Olumeni, the paramount ruler of the community, commended the group for its philanthropic services.
The monarch, who was represented by Chief Collins Wagba, described NAS’ gesture as worthwhile and called on other groups to emulate such humanitarian services rendered to the public by the group.
Mrs Felicia Oparali, Woman Leader, Rumuolumeni community, on behalf of the beneficiaries commended the group for its gesture.