NATIONAL: ‘Don’t let recent ‘misfortune’ discourage you from going back to school’

PRESIDENT Buhari yesterday advised the rescued students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State against thought of abandoning schooling because of their recent ordeal.

Describing the students’ experience in the hands of their abductors as a “misfortune,” the president urged them to not let it dampen their interest of acquiring good education.

The president met with the 344 students at the Banquet Hall of the Katsina Government House on Friday.

Speaking to them in Hausa, Buhari advised them to remain focused adding that the reward of knowledge is not negotiable.

He said the “unfortunate incident” was a test of character and their determination to succeed in life.

He assured the students that the Federal Government will upgrade the security structure in the country to ensure safety of all citizens.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘Don’t let  misfortune  stop you from getting good education, president Buhari counsels students of GSSS Kankara,’ bore English translation of the president’s words.

The statement read in part, “My dear children, don’t be discouraged with what has happened, give your attention to acquiring knowledge and developing good character, and you will be distinguished in life.’’

“I know that you have been through a lot. The suffering you went through, please put it aside, and try to forget the painful experience. There is no substitute to good education, so you must return to school and continue.

“If I wasn’t educated, I will not be standing here today in front of you. I schooled in Katsina for nine years. I moved on to join the army, served as a governor, Head of State, went to prison, came out and later joined politics. I contested presidential elections three times, and finally I was declared a winner in 2015.’’

The president commended the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, for working tirelessly to ensure that the kidnapped children were returned unharmed, while appreciating all the security agencies, traditional institutions and individuals that played key roles in their rescue.

President Buhari said the military and security agencies still had a lot to do to secure the country, and its citizens.

“This is their job. They signed for it. Whether they like it or not, they will have to provide security for the country.’’

 In his remarks, Governor Masari said the security architecture in the country should be upgraded to ensure safety of citizens, adding that the “kidnap of school children should never happen again’’.

The governor said the release of the children was through collaborations, negotiations and discussions, thanking the President for consistently supporting the process, creating time for regular updates and taking actions when needed.

Recounting their ordeals in the hands of their abductors on Friday, some of the freed schoolboys had said they would not go back to school again until they’re assured of their safety.

They cited the location of their school as the reason for the easy operation of the bandits.