EFFURUN — Stakeholders have called for stronger commitment to inclusive education, responsible parenting, digital literacy and equal opportunities for children as Delta State marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The event, which attracted pupils and students from primary and secondary schools, special needs institutions and orphanage homes across the state, was held under the theme “Building Hope and Confidence in Every Child Through Care, Education and Love.”
Chairperson of NAWOJ in Delta State, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, said the celebration was not just for fun but to draw attention to the responsibility of society in raising children who will become future leaders.
She said the programme was designed to promote inclusion, love and social responsibility, stressing that every child deserves care, support and equal opportunities regardless of background or ability.
“What we are doing today boils down to love — loving the children, loving the parents and loving ourselves without discrimination,” she said.
Unobunjo commended parents and teachers for their sacrifices, describing educators as key partners in shaping children’s future through guidance and mentorship.
She urged parents to provide emotional, moral and academic support for children while ensuring no child is neglected or discriminated against.
Delivering the keynote address, Director of Elim-Bridge Autism and Neurodevelopmental Foundation, Dr. Chijioke Nwoko, called for stronger inclusion of children with special needs in schools and society.
He lamented that many children with disabilities are physically present in classrooms but are still excluded from full participation in learning and school activities.
“One of the major challenges we have in society is exclusion. Every child means every child, including those living with disabilities and developmental challenges,” he said.
Nwoko urged schools to adopt flexible learning systems that recognise the different abilities of children, warning that uniform teaching methods often disadvantage children with special needs.
He also called on the media, especially women journalists, to highlight issues affecting children with disabilities and promote inclusion in society.
“The time has come to tell the story of every child. No child should be left behind,” he added.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel, urged stakeholders to embrace digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of children’s education.
He said children must be equipped with modern skills such as innovation, creativity and technology-driven learning to prepare them for global opportunities.
Enebeli, however, cautioned against excessive exposure of children to social media, warning about risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation and moral decay.
He stressed the need for balance between technology use and strong moral values.
“As stakeholders in the future of society, we must ensure technology is balanced with discipline and human values,” he said.
Also speaking, Proprietor of City Child Academy, Ekpan, Dr. Mrs. Rose Obi, urged children to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence, while advising parents to closely monitor their children’s behaviour and development.
The event featured educational talks, interactive sessions and recreational activities involving children from regular schools, orphanage homes and special needs institutions, reinforcing messages of inclusion, care and equal opportunity.
