Rivers
RSG Urges Children To Speak Up, Defend Their Rights
In commemoration of this year’s International Children’s Day, Nigerian children have been urged to speak up and defend their rights.
The Assistant Director, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr. Alice Altride, gave this advice at an event organised by Christ Embassy, Port Harcourt, for school children to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, ‘Empowering Young Minds’, Dr Altride urged children to always speak up, defend their rights and stand for truth and justice, saying there are laws that protect children’s rights.
According to her, “Rivers State Government has enacted laws promoting children’s rights, the awareness and sensitisation is ongoing, but it’s sad that some parents are still in denial.
“Rights of children include rights to life, education, good health, survival and development among others. Rivers State Government also practices inclusive education for the physically challenged, hence, there should be no discrimination.”
On his part, the Group Pastor, Christ Embassy City Centre Group, Port Harcourt Zone 1, Pastor Strong Daniel, charged children on the need to engage their minds with productive and positive things as these are keys to their successes in life.
Pastor Daniel, who was represented by the Zonal Director of the church, Pastor Amaechi Udeaku, advised children to meditate on the words of God and guard their hearts with all diligence.
“What you see and what you hear are determinants of what goes on in your mind, hence be careful of what you watch and what you listen to. You must empower your minds to be successful by thinking on right things, obey your parents, yield yourself to instructions, obey God’s words, then the sky is just the beginning”, he said.
He also charged teachers to teach the children Godly virtues as contained in the Bible so that when they are old, the virtues will not depart from them.
The pastor explained that the mission of Inner City Mission and the Children Arm of Christ Embassy Church was to reach out to indigents children, bring them out of the slum and empower them with God’s words.
“All of these is our own ways of extending the love of Christ to the people”, Pastor Daniel stressed.
Also speaking, the Programme Director and Educationist, Rita Daniel Strong, described the theme as apt, noting that the children are tomorrow’s leaders and deserve to be empowered with God’s words to enable them have positive mindsets.
‘It all starts from the mind, if our younger ones can harness their thoughts and work on their minds, they will fulfil their goals in life because they will be able to use their minds positively”, she said.
A keynote speaker and Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Rivers State Chapter, Arc. Toku Fiberesima, enlightened students on who an Architect is and why it is important for them to take up Architecture as a career.
Speaking on the topic: ‘The Role of an Architect’, Fiberesima said: “Architecture is an integral part of our lives, without an Architect, there will be no where to live. With an Architect, we are able to build our cities, schools, markets, airports, among others.”
Highlights of the events include Bible quiz and Spelling Bee competition and debates.
At the end of the keenly contested competitions, the following schools: Dayton Model College, Noble Learning Int. School, Beryl Brooks Premier School, Readon Int. School, St. Maria Goretti Int’l School, Divine Anteo School, and Increase Int’l School went home with cash gifts and stationery materials.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor
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