Written By Aminu Dalhatu; Edited By Godwin Duru
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB), has celebrated the International Day of Play with schoolchildren in Zamfara State as part of efforts to promote holistic child development.
The event, held at Smart Government School Gusau, the state capital, brought together parents, caregivers, education stakeholders, ZSUBEB officials, and UNICEF representatives to sensitize pupils on the importance of education, learning, and play in their overall development.
Speaking during the event, a National Facilitator for UNICEF training, Dr. Adamu Gaya, who emphasized the critical role of play in the growth and development of children, described it as a global strategy for nurturing future leaders and productive citizens.
Dr. Gaya, who coordinates Early Childhood Development (ECD) training activities across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, explained that the International Day of Play was a globally recognized initiative aimed at giving children the freedom for self-expression, while strengthening key developmental domains necessary for lifelong learning.
According to him, the initiative aligns with global education frameworks, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which focuses on equipping children with practical and creative skills from an early stage.
He identified six critical areas of child development enhanced through play-based learning, including creative arts, cognitive ability, language development, physical growth, and social and emotional interaction.
“Play gives children the opportunity to develop their talents and abilities across multiple domains, helping them to grow into active, skilled individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society,” he said.
Dr. Gaya further stressed that early childhood development provides the foundation for lifelong learning and self-sufficiency, noting that such initiatives are essential for shaping the future workforce and driving national development.
Highlighting the broader impact, he stated that economic growth is closely linked to investments in early childhood education, as many successful individuals were given opportunities to develop their talents at a young age.
He cited notable Nigerians such as Professor Bello Shehu, a renowned neurologist, and Jelani Aliyu, an internationally recognized automobile designer, as examples of individuals who benefited from early exposure to skill development opportunities.
Dr. Gaya called for sustained support and expansion of such programmes, stressing that providing children with the right foundation would enable them to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of ZSUBEB, Professor Naziru Garba Anka, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting holistic child development through inclusive and engaging educational activities.
Expressing his excitement, Professor Anka said the atmosphere at the event reflected the importance of play in children’s lives.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to be here today. You can see from the expressions on our faces that everyone is happy. We played with the children and danced together. It’s truly a great day,” he said.
Professor Garba explained that organizing such activities forms part of the commission’s broader strategy to ensure the physical, emotional, and mental development of children across the state.
According to him, play is a critical component of learning and growth, as it supports both physical and mental development.
Professor Anka reiterated the board’s commitment to sustaining the initiative, noting that it aligns with efforts to ensure that no child is left behind in all aspects of development.
He also called on schools across Zamfara State to emulate the initiative by adopting approaches that combine learning with play for the benefit of pupils.
On plans for expansion, the Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission has plan towards extending the programme to schools across the state.
Professor Anka further commended UNICEF for its support, describing it as excellent and impactful, while expressing optimism about strengthening the partnership to enhance educational development in the state.
The International Day of Play celebration featured various activities designed to promote learning through play, bringing together stakeholders and pupils in a vibrant display of unity, learning, and recreation, while reinforcing the importance of integrating play into the education system.
