Dr Benjamin Ubido, the Managing Director of Network Oil & Gas Ltd., has described the African child as a symbol of hope.
Ubido spoke on Thursday at the 2026 International Day of the African Child celebration held in Lagos.
The event was organised by the Makarios Initiative for Health and Humanitarian Development (MIHHD).
The celebration focused on the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
Ubido said African children remained creative and capable despite social and economic challenges. He urged them to embrace hard work, resilience, discipline and determination to achieve success.
“When we talk about the African child, we must be honest about the realities many children face.
“Yet the African child remains strong, creative, intelligent, resourceful and hopeful,” he said. He noted that many children continued excelling in academics, sports, science, technology, arts and literature.
Ubido identified poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure and limited education access as major challenges affecting children.
He said excellence extended beyond academics to include character, relationships and personal development.
The managing director encouraged children to view challenges as opportunities rather than barriers. He stressed that resilience and determination had helped many people overcome difficult circumstances.
Ubido described education as a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. He advised students to attend classes regularly, study diligently and participate actively in learning.
“The key to succeeding against all odds is refusing to listen to voices that tell you something is impossible,” he said. Ubido added that many children faced hardships but continued pursuing their dreams.
He said Africa’s future would remain bright if young people embraced excellence. Also speaking, finance expert, Mr Gerald Ikem, said education should build character and values.
Ikem said integrity, honesty, kindness and responsibility were essential for productive citizens. “What you are building today will determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
He said Africa needed ethical leaders, innovative entrepreneurs and responsible professionals. Ikem advised children to value themselves and choose positive influences.
Anti-drug abuse advocate, Mr Victor Abraham, warned children against substance abuse, describing drugs as “dream killers” and “destiny destroyers”. Abraham shared his experience, saying drug addiction negatively affected his education and future.
“When I was growing up, I never planned to become a drug addict. But drugs almost destroyed my future,” Abraham said.
He urged children to avoid peer pressure and remain focused on their aspirations. The speakers encouraged African children to develop confidence, discipline and integrity. They expressed confidence that children could overcome challenges and transform the continent.
