NAN – Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the Director, Defence Information, has urged parents to encourage their children to do the right thing to make them useful to the society.
Olukolade made the call when he received Miss Splendor Abisoye, a nine-year-old Author of a book titled “Effects of Terrorism on Children’’ in his office.
The director, while commending Abisoye’s parents for encouraging her to write the book, said he was happy that the book was published.
He said “this is the kind of encouragement we need to give to our children and unfortunately, people give different kinds of encouragement to their children.
He added that “many children are there on Internet doing all kinds of things and getting negative communication when they should be guided to develop their communication skills.”
The director said that the achievement of Abisoye in writing the book was positive, indicating that there were lots of positive things in stock for the country.
According to him, the hope can never be lost and that Nigeria will continue to have thinkers and intellectuals like Abisoye.
He said, “We have noted the content of the book and you must have done a lot of research and I commend you for the work you have done.
“It is rich and educative and I wish all children can have access to it. I want to continue to encourage you and others who have talents to produce books and communicate with children and adults.’’
Olukolade said he was receiving her on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
He assured her that appropriate attention would be given to her wishes and that the Defence Headquarters would join her in the crusade by ensuring that the book was circulated.
Responding, Abisoye said her inspiration to write the book came from the fact that the terrorists of today were once children, adding that if they were properly educated, they may not have ended up as terrorists.
She said that during her visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp , a child told her that some children in Gwoza said it was better for them to join Boko Haram to be protected.
Abisoye said “that visit was very important to me because of the role of your organisation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
“We all know that children are the future of the nation, hence educating children on the effects of terrorism should be considered as grassroots solution to a terror-free society.
She then appealed to Olukolade to use his position to ensure that the book reached all IDP camps and schools.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the writer was accompanied on the visit by her parents, Mr Joe-King Abisoye and Mrs Vera Abisoye.
