Is they children truly the foundation for brighter tomorrows? Especially when it comes to Nigeria: My Experience as MC at St. Joseph Nursery and Primary School, Ifiayong Usuk closing party.

Good evening dear friend and my love one's! Happy girlfriend day to my female friends here in steemit!

yesterday was a day that left a deep mark in my heart one that brought joy, nostalgia, and tears. I was invited to serve as the Master of Ceremony (MC) at an event hosted by St. Joseph Nursery and Primary School, Ifiayong Usuk, located in Uruan L. G. A , Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Moreover, It was a colorful event filled with excitement, laughter, innocence, and the hopeful energy of children. Dressed in their vibrant uniforms and radiant smiles, these little angels stood up boldly to declare what I’ve heard a thousand times but never quite felt the way I did yesterday: the part that really interested me was When the came out in different tribes attire ,Yoruba Igbo hausa and efik.
“We are the future leaders of tomorrow!”
As they shouted this in unison, my heart melted. A sudden wave of emotion hit me, and I had to fight back tears. Not just because of their innocence or confidence, but because of the painful irony behind that statement especially when viewed through the Nigerian lens system.

A Generation Full Of Promise

Each child that stood on that stage had a light in their eyes. You could see the dreams taking shape in their minds already that in the future they will become doctors, engineers, teachers, presidents, inventors. like their senior sister and brother use to said and end up been a zoologist. They danced, they recited poems, they acted out dramas filled with values like unity, peace, and honesty. Their voices were clear. Their ambitions, loud. Their energy, contagious. As the MC, I engaged with them, encouraged them, and celebrated their talents. But deep within, I couldn’t silence a different kind of voice one that whispered: "Will these children ever be allowed to lead? Will this country give them the tools to fly?" because currently even their elder brother's and sisters can't even boost off leading or even having a voice in the country.

Nigeria, The Paradox (Logic)

honestly, I’ve grown up hearing this statement: “Children are the leaders of tomorrow.” It is said at almost every school event, in political speeches, and during Independence Day celebrations. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, in Nigeria, this line has become more of a cliché than a reality. We have a nation where youth are often neglected, misled, or silenced. Where the leadership structure is recycled. Where policies fail to prioritize education, healthcare, and employment for the young. Where talent is stifled, and creativity struggles to survive.So, as I stood there watching those children repeat the same hope we all once had and I said to myself I wish, I had known back then. I won't have been saying that rubbish. I couldn’t help but ask myself: “Are Nigerian Children Truly The Future leaders of tomorrow or just future victims of a broken system, where there is no jobs for graduates and unemployed youth everywhere.

The moment when my eyes gutch out with tears,

Although the children didn’t understand why I had tears in my eyes. They thought maybe it was just the beauty of the program. Yes, the program was amazing well organized and full of meaning. But those weren’t tears of joy alone. They were tears of fear, of uncertainty, and of disappointment in the system that continues to fail us. Because what happens when those children grow up? Will there be space for their dreams? Or will they inherit the same struggle we are still fighting today? although am too emotional, but as a smart guy this didn't stop me from eating their jollof rice, cake hollandia yogurt and still collect my transport fare.

The Truth Hurts or the Truth is bitter

I don’t want to sound pessimistic. I want to believe in those words again that children truly are the leaders of tomorrow. But believing isn’t enough. We must build systems that nurture, empower, and trust our young ones. We must protect their dreams, invest in their education, create platforms for their voices, and dismantle the old, corrupt structures that keep recycling the same failed leadership. Until then, those innocent words will remain a painful echo of what could have been.

conclusively

To the children of St. Joseph Nursery & Primary School, Ifiayong Usuk you inspired me. they gave me hope, even if it was mixed with pain. their voices reminded me that deep down, Nigeria still has a chance if only we listen to them and not just clap when we speak. I left that school event with tears, yes but also with a burden to speak the truth.
If we truly want a better Nigeria, then we must stop lying to our children and start fighting for their future not just in words, but in action. because they say that action speak louder than words.