TThe National Coordinator of Moving Minds Alliance, Arome Ageniyi, has called for greater investment in early childhood development, warning that Nigeria risks significant economic and social consequences if children are not given the right foundation during their formative years.
Speaking on the Ask the Expert segment of Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, Ageniyi described the period from birth to eight years as the most critical stage of human development, stressing that experiences during these early years largely determine an individual’s future productivity, behaviour and contribution to society.
According to him, research by the World Bank indicates that Nigeria’s human capital development index remains low, suggesting that many children born today may not reach their full productive potential without deliberate interventions in health, nutrition, education and protection.
He explained that poor investment in early childhood development contributes to long-term challenges such as low productivity, unemployment, poor educational outcomes and rising insecurity. Ageniyi noted that many concerns about unemployable youths, declining values and increasing social unrest can be traced back to inadequate attention given to children’s development during their earliest years.
Particular emphasis was placed on children growing up in humanitarian and conflict-affected communities. Ageniyi recounted an encounter from one of the organisation’s field projects in Benue and Borno States, where a child expressed the desire to become a soldier solely to avenge the killing of family members by insurgents.
He said the experience highlights the lasting psychological effects of conflict on young children and demonstrates why early childhood interventions in emergency settings must become a national priority.
“Children growing up in crisis environments carry deep emotional wounds that, if left untreated, can shape their future decisions and behaviours,” he said, adding that addressing trauma early is essential for building peaceful and productive communities.
Ageniyi stressed that parents and caregivers remain the first and most influential educators in a child’s life. He urged families to create safe, nurturing and supportive home environments where children can develop emotionally, socially and intellectually.
He identified proper nutrition, quality healthcare, emotional support and positive parenting as essential ingredients for healthy child development. According to him, children who experience violence or neglect at home often replicate similar behaviours later in life, while those raised in supportive environments develop stronger self-esteem and resilience.
He also encouraged parents to build trusting relationships with their children so they feel comfortable discussing challenges and mistakes without fear of condemnation.
On the role of communities and schools, Ageniyi called for a rethinking of traditional approaches to child upbringing, especially as children increasingly interact with digital technology, artificial intelligence and social media from an early age.
He advocated reviewing harmful cultural practices that encourage violence against children while promoting learning methods that prepare young people for the realities of a rapidly changing world.
The Moving Minds Alliance coordinator further urged governments at all levels to move beyond broad education budgets by making specific allocations for early childhood education. He recommended increased funding for preschool infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum development and specialised interventions for children living in conflict and emergency situations.
He also pointed to poor coordination among government ministries and agencies responsible for health, education, agriculture and women affairs, saying fragmented interventions often reduce the effectiveness of early childhood development programmes.
Addressing the economic implications, Ageniyi warned that Nigeria could lose billions of dollars in future economic output if it fails to invest adequately in its youngest citizens.
He explained that children who receive quality nutrition, healthcare and foundational education are more likely to become productive adults, secure decent employment, pay taxes and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Conversely, he noted that weak early childhood development creates a workforce lacking the skills and values needed by employers, forcing some organisations to recruit talent from outside the country.
Beyond the economy, Ageniyi linked many of Nigeria’s social challenges—including corruption, poor work ethics and declining integrity—to failures in value formation during childhood.
He argued that children who are taught honesty, responsibility and the dignity of labour from an early age are more likely to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens.
In his closing remarks, Ageniyi urged parents, caregivers, governments, development partners and the private sector to treat early childhood development as a shared national responsibility.
He emphasised that investment in maternal healthcare, nutrition, early learning and child protection should begin even before birth and continue throughout the first eight years of life.
According to him, the future of Nigeria’s economy, social stability and political development depends largely on the decisions made today regarding the country’s youngest generation.
He concluded that every child represents the nation’s future, warning that neglecting early childhood development today could create far-reaching consequences for generations to come.
