By Dan Zendesha 

The 2026 Children's Day celebration in Buruku Local Government Area featured scholarship announcements, child protection advocacy and the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls as stakeholders renewed calls for greater investment in children's welfare.

The event, held on Tuesday at Tombo Secondary School Playground, brought together pupils, students, teachers, traditional rulers, parents and government officials from across the local government area.

The ceremonial Child Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Master Dyorough Ka-Aondo Kelvin, announced scholarships for 10 pupils and called for stronger action against child trafficking during the 2026 Children's Day celebration held at Tombo Secondary School Playground.

The event was organised by the Buruku Local Government Council under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura, and attracted participants from various communities across the local government area.

Speaking shortly after assuming the symbolic seat of leadership for the Children's Day ceremony, Master Ka-Aondo described the opportunity as significant and commended the council for creating a platform that gives children a voice in governance.

He called for the immediate distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the local government area, stressing that no girl should be disadvantaged in her education due to menstrual health challenges.

The Child Chairman also announced scholarships for 10 pupils as part of efforts aimed at promoting academic excellence and encouraging children to pursue their educational goals.

In addition, he advocated stronger measures against child trafficking, stating that every child deserves a safe environment and the opportunity to grow within a supportive family setting. He further urged authorities and security agencies to sustain peace across Buruku communities to enable children to learn in a conducive environment.

In a related development, the First Lady of Buruku Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Anadoo Zege, officially flagged off the distribution of sanitary pads to adolescent female students and pupils during the celebration.

According to organisers, no fewer than 2,761 packs of sanitary pads were distributed during the exercise, while additional supplies are expected to reach schools within the Mbanyam axis in the coming days.

The event featured a range of activities, including cultural displays, march-past parades, sack races and other competitions involving primary and secondary schools from across the local government area.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a unity football match between teams representing Tombo and Mbanyam. The Mbanyam team emerged victorious, drawing cheers from spectators and supporters.

Trophies and cash prizes were also presented to winners in various categories, including cultural dance, march-past and sporting competitions.

The celebration concluded with renewed calls on government, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to prioritise the education, welfare and protection of children as essential investments in the future of Buruku Local Government Area.

The statement was signed by Comr. Simeon Terlumun Aer, Personal Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council.