Children's Day: We Won’t Relent in Championing Education and Child Rights — Prince Olatunji Olusoji.

Children's Day: We Won’t Relent in Championing Education and Child Rights — Prince Olatunji Olusoji.

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

As Nigeria marks the annual Children’s Day celebration, the Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and renowned philanthropist, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting quality education and protecting the rights of the Nigerian child. He made this known during an exclusive interview with Sapele Mirror on Monday, highlighting the critical role children play in shaping the nation's future.

Speaking with passion and clarity, Prince Olusoji emphasized that no effort will be spared in his mission to improve access to education, especially for underprivileged children. According to him, “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and be heard. Our future as a nation is intricately tied to how well we nurture the next generation.”
Prince Olatunji, who is also the Chairman/CEO of Tratun Oil & Gas Ltd and Executive Director of Region Oil & Gas, has established a reputation for impactful interventions through his non-profit, Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF). Over the past year, the foundation has empowered over 1,000 students with free JAMB registration and facilitated the enrollment of numerous others for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

As Turaki Gamji of Arewa Kingdom, Olusoji blends traditional leadership with modern advocacy, using his influence to push for systemic change in education policy and child welfare. “Leadership isn’t just about titles or positions—it’s about responsibility to the people, especially children, who are most vulnerable,” he said.

According to him, the Foundation’s mission goes beyond financial support. “We are building structures that last—mentorship programs, career guidance, emotional support, and scholarships. It’s about giving children a voice and a path,” he added.
Prince Olusoji urged the government at all levels to prioritize child welfare and make education both free and qualitative. He stressed that insecurity, poverty, and illiteracy are deeply linked, and any strategy to combat them must include a strong focus on education reform.

He also advocated for stricter enforcement of child rights laws, noting that too many children are still subject to abuse, neglect, and exploitation across various parts of the country. “We must do better as a society. Every child has a right to safety, dignity, and opportunity,” he noted.

The oil magnate called on other stakeholders, including corporate entities and traditional institutions, to play an active role in fostering a child-friendly environment. He urged them to emulate initiatives like PROOF in closing the educational and protection gaps facing Nigerian children.

As the country celebrates its young ones, Prince Olatunji Olusoji’s message is a powerful reminder of the importance of investment in the next generation. “We must rise as a nation to secure the future of our children. If we fail them today, we fail ourselves tomorrow,” he concluded.

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