RSG Recommits To Children’s Welfare Urges Partnership In Upbringing

The Rivers State Government has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 International Children’s Day with a wake-up call on parents/guardians, teachers, organisations and multinationals to collaborate in building the children of today for a resilient and better Nigerian future.
To this end, the state government said it is commited to creating and recreating an enabling environment that prioritises the welfare and development of children.
Delivering her speech at the occasion held at the Sharks Football Stadium, PortHarcourt, the wife of the State Sole Administrator, Barrister Theresa Ibas, said that the administration places children at the centre of the State with a continued efforts in ensuring that every child in the State has a reason to hope and platform to grow.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Ruhuoma Kejeh, Ibas said the year’s theme: ‘Children: Our Future And Our Responsibility’ could not be more timely as it reflects on not only the dreams of the children but also the sacred duty of parents/guardians to nurture those dreams into reality.
She said, “It is a profound call to action, reminding us that the children we see around us today are not just playing, learning or growing. They are quietly carrying within them the seeds of tomorrow’s society. Every child, no matter the background, is a potential leader, innovator, caregiver or visionary. Their laughter today is the foundation of a joyful nation, tomorrow.
“While their future holds promise, it is shaped by the choices we make today – the quality of education we provide, the values we instill, the love we show and the protection we offer. Our children’s future is inextricably tied to how seriously we take our responsibility to guide, nurture and empower them. We must never take that responsibility lightly.”
Describing every child as beautiful and full of promises, Ibas said, “ the journey to their full potential cannot and must not be walked alone. No child becomes great in isolation”.
She therefore called on parents, teachers, guardians, leaders and members of the society to be deliberate in recognising the sacred role of building an environment where every child is safe, educated and empowered.
“As we celebrate today with music, dance, games and joy, let it also be a time of recommitment – for all of us to build a Rivers State where every child can become what they were born to be”, Ibas stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Prof. Justina A.Jumbo, said this year’s celebration was marked with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education, ensuring access to healthcare and nutrition, protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation and promoting child participation and empowerment.
Jumbo, who noted that the Ministry, through its Department of Child Welfare, has been working tirelessly to ensure the protection and well-being of state’s children said, “Some of our notable efforts include:, providing shelter, healthcare, education and support for vulnerable children at the Port Harcourt Children’s Home-Borokiri, implementing programmes to prevent child abuse, gender based violence and collaborating with stakeholders to promote child rights and welfare as well as offering counselling and rehabilitation services for children in need”.

“May I also use this forum to call on corporate and private organizations, multinational companies, and philanthropies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, to continue investing in our children’s futures, upholding our responsibility to nurture and protect them.

“I appeal to you all to see it as your duty to supplement government’s efforts, knowing that the government cannot do it alone in putting the future of Rivers State Children first. Let us work together to create a society where every child can grow, learn, and flourish.

“To our dear children, we say: your voices matter, your dreams are valuable, and your futures are bright. Keep reaching for the stars and shining your light!
Never let anyone or anything dim your light – your potential is limitless, and your future is full of promise”.

Highlights of the celebration included dance and drama presentation by the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Arts Council), match pass by selected schools and voluntary organisations, presentation of trophies and cutting of cake.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu