Connect with us

Nation

Children’s Day

Published

9 years ago

on

Today is Children’s Day, a day to celebrate children in Nigeria. Although, it is celebrated on different days in many places around the world, it is set aside to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate actions that benefit and promote the welfare of children.
The Children’s Day is not just a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness to children around the globe that have succumbed to violence, exploitation and deprivation of basic needs.
In some climes, children are used as labourers, sex objects, live in the streets and are also victims of communal, sectarian and civil strifes.  And here in Nigeria, one third (1/3)   of 6 to 14 year olds don’t go to school, many leave school for different purposes and child rights are often violated.
Our correspondent, Tonye Ikiroma-Owiye, went to town to speak to some residents of Port Harcourt on the significance of the Children’s Day.
Here are some excerpts.

Mr Minini Georgewill- Accountant:
The day is worth celebrating as it brings children of diverse backgrounds to meet each other especially those from both the public and private schools.
I think that as a parent who was once a child, the idea of celebrating the day apart from bringing children together shows that government over the years has not shirked away from its core responsibility of organizing activities to mark the day since its inception in Nigeria.
However, there are a lot of things government should do to make children have more sense of belonging in the society. This can be by being more proactive in providing infrastructures in school, and communities like equipment and better playgrounds.
Some children don’t have the means to go to school especially those from very poor homes and I believe that if government puts its acts together by enforcing a policy of eradicating illiteracy, the society will be a better place.
Children, those of school age should always take their studies seriously if they want to be useful to themselves and the society.
As youngmen when we were growing up, we had respect for our elders, were disciplined, but today, the situation is quite alarming as children don’t respect people older than them anymore.
As children, 27th of May every year saw us welcoming the celebration with enthusiasm and I hope that  present  day children of school age should use the occasion to thrive for their future as between five and nine years most of them will be grown up with those younger than them looking up to them for exemplary leadership.
If we can recall the purpose of the Childrens Day, the United Nations specifically came up with six major objectives to make the lives of children easier.  These include education, healthcare, improvement of skills acquired in schools as well as implementing policies that will promote peace in the society and respect for the environment.
To me, all these objectives are laudable and we as parents and government should do everything possible to see that they are achieved and sustained.

Dr Glory Worgu
It is a wonderful period for our state.  The Childrens Day calls for our commitment as parents to bring up our children with the fear of God.  Today, there are a lot of diverse behaviours, that is   why when we impart knowledge to them when they are quite young, they will grow up with that first impression. You see a child’s mind is just like a blank board and what we imprint in them is what we expect in future.
It is also quite unfortunate that we have left the grooming of our children to the schools which to me is wrong.  Parents are supposed to do that especially that of moral and spiritual upbringing. When we do all these we are in a better situation to evaluate our children so that even outside the school environment, they will only associate with those similar to them in character.
Why I am saying this is because with the right lifestyle, they will not be tempted to follow the modern western fad of lesbianism and homosexuality.  Young men and women will also not see it a vogue to get married to people of the same sex.
When as parents we do the right by also supervising their school work, definitely we will be rewarded with positive outcome.  The children too will not only be fulfilled but bring glory to God and their parents.
Parents should not introduce their children in their early years to things that are not of God so that life itself will be better for them as they grow up to become adults.
They are also likely not to be terrorists or associated with people of such tendencies.   The government  should play its part if it wants children to be useful to the society in general by providing the necessary clime for them to grow up without undue stress.

Kenneth Leonard
I want the government to make sure it provides the opportunity for every child to have a sound education.
To me, I believe that my future is bright as I want to be an engineer when I grow up.
I also pray that more children like me will also have the opportunity to go to school.  But they can only succeed if they obey their parents.

Hon (Engr) Tominaye Toru Davies
As a father, I know the rigorous experience one passes through to bring up a child.  Children are quite lovely so if as a parent you want them to grow up and be useful to themselves and the society; you have to teach them good morals quite early in their lives. You lay down the rules of dos and donts and even tell them the type of characters not to associate with.
One major problem is that the educated class or rich leave the upbringing of their children to house helps which is not too advisable.  In our days, our mothers were there; even grandmothers who had time to look after us, taught us our languages, told us stories.  But today, it is just nannies everywhere.
I thank God that another Children’s Day is here again which I believe both children and parents would use the celebration to take stock on how they have fared in the past one year and plan ahead for a positive future.
Children’s Day should not be seen as just the time to parade and sing songs but as a period when we as Rivers people should start asking ourselves if we have really invested in our children so that their future would be better than ours. Have we  as government done our part by formulating policies and programmes that will protect their future?  Have we implemented all these policies and programmes up to 80 per cent.
Are our schools especially the primary and secondary schools at both the rural and urban area up to standard? Are our children of school age going to school?  Are we meeting up with their health challenges?
These are so many questions to ask, answers expected are one recalls that this year’s celebration also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State.
I begin to express worry that we might lose it all if different approaches to the problems at hand are not brought to bear.
Today, we are plagued with high incident of cultism, communal crisis, terrorism and other forms of criminality and some of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are mostly youths.  We cannot afford our children to be led astray by never-do-wells in the society, that’s why I am appealing to parents to be more focused on what their children do.  This also calls for a better educational programme that will keep them fully occupied.
While the government is doing its best for them, I also call on them to think more on how as individuals they can help themselves to become better because a child today is an adult tomorrow. It is not in their old age that they will start thinking of a career or vocation to follow.  It is better to decide what career one wants to pursue in life in a youthful age than when he or she is already a father or mother.
Children should avoid friends that will lead them astray, be closer to their parents and obey societal laws if they want to progress in life.  With the world moving on a fast lane of development they should study hard and be movers and shakers of the science and technology that is shaping the globe so that they too will be reckoned as genius and innovators in the hi-tech industry.
Lady (Dr) Ndidi Utchay
Thank God that we are in another celebration mood.  This Children’s Day to me as a mother is very special as it coincides with Rivers State at 50. I wish all children happy festivities and use the occasion to call on them to think of their future as they will not be children for ever.
Whenever I see young children, it really gives me pleasure as a mother but I am also worried because of some negative happenings in the society such as indiscipline and social vices that are prevailing in the society.  Today, some children are unruly due to peer pressure and I quite believe that this is as a result of some people abandoning their roles as parents.  Whether as a working mother or not, we should find time to sit down with our children, interact and have serious discussion on how to live as a family.  This is because a lot of households have abandoned God in their affairs. If we are really serious as parents, the church should be our primary focus; where morals are taught and all things pertaining to God, it is only when we put God first in our lives that we can really plan.
I am also not too surprised at the moral bankruptcy in the society today as some children even when told to go to church will run away. I think if children are to be of better stock, their introduction to the things of God should start quite early.
We should not wait until when they have grown up a bit and become truants that we start inviting them to the church.  Since it is easier to mould one’s character in the positive light when quite young, it is better we start them early so that our children would no longer fall prey to peer pressure from people of questionable character.
What I believe should also be done to improve the situation of the children is for the government to embark on more developmental projects especially in the education sector so that every child will have the opportunity to go to school.
Children also should be mindful of the friends they associate with and avoid those who will lead them astray.
I believe that the future will be better for everyone but on the condition that we do things right and obey God.

Diocesan Children Chaplain, Diocese of Evo, Rev Canon O. E. Igbamerun
Children should learn to be obedient to their parents, respect elders and put God first in their lives.  Those who live upright lives will eventually succeed in their endeavours.
Sometimes I am surprised when people say that they are too busy to interact with their children. I don’t believe it is true because we have the time. No matter the schedule we have, we must create the time to be with our children because they are our future.  If our parents had time for us as children why can’t we do so for our own children?
We shirk away from our responsibilities because we have become too involved in too many activities hence the flimsy excuse.  You see, someone told me that even if God extends the 24-hour day period we observe, we as mortals  will still complain.  We should never neglect the home as it is the bedrock of the society and our children must be protected from negative tendencies.
We should also teach them good morals and not leave everything to outside influence. It is only then and then that the society will be better. I also use the occasion to wish all children a prosperous celebration.

Tonye Ikiroma-Owiye

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Nation

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

2 days ago

on

January 23, 2026

By

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

Continue Reading

Nation

Diri Approves N200m Monthly Grant for Bayelsa Farmers, Targets Increased Local Rice Production

Published

6 days ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved a monthly support scheme of ?200 million for farmers in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and expand agricultural production.

The governor announced the approval on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 dry season farming programme held at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the volume of rice harvested during the last farming season, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure a significant increase in the production of homegrown rice in Bayelsa State by the end of 2026.

He stressed that despite the government’s provision of necessary support to the ministry and farmers, it was unacceptable that the state still had to procure rice from outside during the last Yuletide period.

The governor charged the Ministry of Agriculture to take food security seriously, noting that Bayelsa has a comparative advantage in several crop areas, with fertile soil that does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and other stakeholders for organising the event, Governor Diri urged the ministry to ensure that such initiatives go beyond yearly ceremonies and translate into tangible benefits for the people.

According to him, agriculture remains a key pillar of the state’s economic diversification drive, which his administration has prioritised through heavy investments. He also called on civil servants and residents to embrace agriculture as a way of life.

“Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration,” he said.

He added that agriculture strengthens the economy and highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure in moving farm produce from rural communities to the state capital.

“We are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture. We have developed partnerships and collaborations and will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure Bayelsa attains the expected food security,” the governor stated.

Governor Diri further directed that by the end of 2026, the state should record a minimum production of 300,000 kilogrammes of rice, stressing that government would patronise local farmers rather than sourcing rice from outside the state.

On security concerns, he reiterated that the state’s anti-grazing law remains in force, warning herdsmen against destroying farmlands and urging farmers to report such incidents to security agencies instead of resorting to social media.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against allocating land in forest areas to herdsmen, warning that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the genuine farmers in the state. What we did for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. Henceforth, ?200 million will be set aside monthly to support farmers in Bayelsa State,” he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, described the event as a reaffirmation of the state government’s unwavering commitment to food security.

He commended Governor Diri for his substantial investment in the agricultural sector, noting that it has been the driving force behind the progress recorded so far.

Representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bayelsa State chapter, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria, among others, also lauded the governor’s sustained support for farmers, which they said has significantly improved the agricultural sector in the state.

Continue Reading

City Crime

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

6 days ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.

 

By: Donatus Ebi

Continue Reading

Trending