L-R: Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel (6)th), Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo,(7th) who were flanked by others at the ceremony on Wednesday
By Samuel Ogude
The Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has stressed the urgent need to build a future of hope, confidence and empowerment for Nigerian children through quality education, responsible parenting, digital literacy and equal opportunities for every child in the country. The association made the call on Wednesday during its Children’s Day celebration held at Mosheshe Estate, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event, themed “Building Hope and Confidence in Every Child Through Care, Education and Love,” attracted pupils and students from primary and secondary schools, special needs institutions and orphanage homes across the state. Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, said the celebration was beyond entertainment and merriment, noting that the future of society depends largely on how children are nurtured and guided today.
L-R: Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo,(8h) was flanked by others at the ceremony on Wednesday
According to her, the programme was deliberately designed to promote inclusion, love and social responsibility, while drawing attention to the collective responsibility of society in raising children in an atmosphere of care, equality and opportunity. Her words: “What we are doing today boils down to love — loving the children, loving the parents and loving ourselves without discrimination. The children of today will become the leaders and responsible adults of tomorrow.”
Unobunjo commended parents and teachers for their sacrifices and commitment toward child development, stressing that educators remain indispensable partners in shaping the future of society through guidance and mentorship. She urged parents to continue supporting children emotionally, morally and academically, insisting that no child should suffer neglect or discrimination.
L-R: Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo (2nd) & others at the occasion
In a keynote address, the Director of Elim-Bridge Autism and Neurodevelopmental Foundation (EANF), Dr. Chijioke Nwoko, passionately appealed for inclusive education and greater support for children living with developmental and learning challenges. Dr. Nwoko lamented the continued exclusion of many children with special needs despite their presence in mainstream schools, stressing that true inclusion must go beyond physical admission into classrooms to ensuring equal participation, support and acceptance.
His words: “One of the major challenges we have in society is exclusion. Many children are present in classrooms but are not truly included. Every child means every child, including children living with disabilities and developmental challenges.”
Faces of the children on Wednesday at the programme
He recounted experiences where children with special needs were isolated during academic and social activities, warning that such practices could damage their confidence, emotional wellbeing and personal growth. He urged schools to adopt flexible learning systems capable of accommodating the unique abilities and learning patterns of every child rather than imposing uniform expectations on learners. Dr. Nwoko further appealed to the media, particularly women journalists, to amplify stories that promote inclusion and advocate for children whose voices are often ignored in society.
On his part, the Chairman of the ceremony and Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel called for the integration of digital literacy, innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into children’s education to prepare them for emerging global realities. According to him, the future of Nigerian children, particularly those in Delta State, must move beyond conventional learning to include technological skills, creativity and innovation-driven education capable of positioning them competitively in the global digital economy.
More of the photos
Enebeli said Artificial Intelligence should be positively introduced into children’s lives as a tool for learning, research, creativity, innovation and skills development. However, the Delta State Chairman of DOPF, cautioned against the dangers of uncontrolled social media exposure among children, citing concerns over cyberbullying, misinformation, distractions and moral decline.
His words:” As stakeholders in the future of society, we must ensure technology is balanced with care, discipline, moral values and human interaction. The children we nurture today will determine the future of Delta State and Nigeria tomorrow.” Also speaking is the Proprietor of City Child Academy, Ekpan, Dr. Mrs. Rose Obi. She charged children to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence in all areas of life just as she advised parents to maintain proper supervision of their children to promptly address negative behavioural tendencies.
The celebration featured educational engagements, interactive sessions and recreational activities involving children from regular schools, orphanage homes and special needs institutions, reinforcing the message of inclusion, care, equality and hope for every child.