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.
