Nation

Children’s Day

Published

8 years ago

May 27, 2017

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

Nation

FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.

Nation

Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.

Donatus Ebi

Nation

TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.

Akujobi Amadi