The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted the importance of play in a child’s overall development, including both physical and mental aspects. Mr. Rahama Farah, the Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasized this during an event commemorating the first International Day of Play.

This event took place at the Kwalli Special Primary School in Kano and was organized in partnership with the State Universal Basic Education Board.

Farah mentioned that this marks the inaugural celebration of the International Day of Play by the United Nations, underscoring the significance of recognizing a child’s right to play as defined in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

He elaborated that “play is very important as it helps in shaping the future of children.

“Parents, community leaders and governments need to recognise and appreciate this day because we all know that play is part of children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth.

“We have come to recognise that play is not a waste of time but actually develops the child’s ability to grow and be happy, creative and be a good person in future.

“Whether it is for education, work, part of the society and participation – all of these elements are important to the development of a child,” he highlighted.

The Kano State Education Commissioner, Umar Doguwa (represented by Yusuf Sani), expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their partnership and support in improving education in Kano’s schools.

The school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Hassana Aminu, also welcomed the initiative, expressing her delight at the positive impact it will have on the students.

She stated that “a child understands whatever you are teaching him/her faster when it is done playfully.

“This is a welcome development because play makes a child happy and interested in whatever he or she is being taught.”

Aminu reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to providing top-notch education for children.

Meanwhile, some students enthusiastically shared their excitement about the inaugural International Day of Peace (IDOP) celebration with the News Agency of Nigeria, expressing gratitude to both the state government and UNICEF for hosting the event.