Education
Children’s Day: Hon Bagos Supports 20 Plateau Schools with ₦100,000 Each, Urge Students to Stay in School
As part of its 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation awarded ₦100,000 each to over 20 schools across Plateau State, reaffirming its commitment to education and child development.
Speaking during the event held at Sarau Event Centre in Jos, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of children and the nation.
“We’re not just celebrating; we’re investing in your future,” Bagos told the students. “Each of you carries the seed of greatness. Stay in school, finish strong, and make your teachers proud. They are the true builders of this nation.”
He led the students in a pledge to stay in school and called on them to appreciate their teachers. “Let’s clap for our teachers. Without them, we wouldn’t be here,” he said.
In addition to the monetary donation, the Foundation also distributed school bags filled with notebooks, socks, and pens to every student in attendance.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Barr. Julia M. Gwaivangmin stressed the importance of protecting children’s rights and enforcing accountability for abuse.
“It is a crime under the VAPP Law for a parent to abandon their child. We have secured convictions and we will continue to fight for the rights of children,” she said. “Children deserve a life free of abuse, trafficking, and violence. Say no to rape. Say no to bullying. Say no to silence.”
Mrs. Lydia Dachung Bagos, the Executive Director of the Foundation, described education as the heart of the Foundation’s mission.
“We are celebrating with the children today to make them feel loved and important, and to encourage them to stay in school and keep dreaming—because every child has a dream, and we want them to realize those dreams. To do that, they need to acquire an education. Our goal is to make sure no child is left behind. Every child deserves a chance, and we will keep walking with them—school by school, child by child,” she said.
Teachers and students who spoke at the event expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cash gifts and school materials.
One of the students, Emmanuela Ayuba, a participant at the event, expressed how it encouraged her to want to finish school. “I’m really happy about the program. The way they talked about education and its benefits has made me more determined to study harder and become successful,” she said.
Another student, Gabrieal Appreciated, expressed joy and gratitude for the support of the foundation in helping them and many other children gain access to education. “I’m really happy about the bags and books we were given. I also learned the importance of avoiding distractions and focusing on my education,” he said.
A teacher, Mr. Azeez remarked “It’s a privilege to be part of this remarkable initiative by the Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation. We don’t often see people so committed to shaping the future of our children. I’ll take this message back to Bassa and do my part to help raise the next generation of leaders. Also the ₦100,000 donation would go a long way in supporting school and student. This is more than a celebration—it’s a rescue mission for education in Plateau,” he said.
Mrs. Serah Arin, a staff member of New Fobur LEA in Jos East, described the program as a unique and impactful initiative. “This program is truly unique, and we appreciate Hon. Bagos for his efforts. We’ll take what we’ve learned back to our communities to help reduce school dropouts and guide children away from violence. Education is the key, and we must all play our part.” She also called on parents and teachers to work together in ensuring the safety and success of every child.
The celebration featured cultural dances, poem recitations, musical performances, and parades.
An 11-year-old pupil at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, South Africa, was allegedly dragged into a school toilet and forcibly circumcised by four older students during break time.
The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked by four Grade 7 students, who allegedly pinned him down before one of them used a sharp blade to remove his foreskin.
The boy was also allegedly threatened with violence if he disclosed the incident to anyone.
According to his mother, the child returned home after the incident but initially refused to tell her what had happened. She later noticed that he was walking unusually and, days later, discovered that he was in severe pain.
The mother said her son eventually showed her his swollen private parts, prompting her to rush him to a doctor.
“He then showed me his swollen private parts and I rushed him to the doctor and it was then that we learned four pupils had circumcised him,” she said.
She said her son told her that the older boys had attacked him in the school toilets during break and threatened to beat him if he told anyone.
The mother subsequently opened a criminal case and refused to allow her son to return to school. Police later persuaded the boy to attend an identity parade, where he reportedly helped identify the four students.
South African Police Service spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was being investigated.
“Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are investigating and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Sibeko said.
The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the matter was under police investigation, while saying the school had not reported any similar circumcision attacks.
Deputy Principal George Mahlungu said the school was shocked by the incident.
“We are perplexed by what happened. This school is a place where a child should be safe,” he said.
The school has about 2,050 pupils between the ages of seven and 15.
A doctor who examined the boy reportedly said the procedure appeared to have been carried out in a manner similar to traditional tribal initiation practices. However, the doctor said a full diagnosis could not be made until the swelling subsided.
The boy’s mother said her son had become traumatised by the incident and was afraid to return to school.
Police investigations are ongoing, and no arrests had been made as of the latest report.
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