Prioritise Children Upbringing, Oborevwori charges parents

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on parents across the State to take full responsibility for the moral and educational development of their children, stressing that the family remains the first and most critical agent of socialization.

Ably represented by the Executive Director of Projects, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Governor Oborevwori gave the charge Wednesday, 27th May at a Debate and Spelling Bee Competition organized to mark the 2026 Children’s Day at the Urhobo Progressive Union Hall, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho. 

The event aimed at raising confident voices and inspiring future leaders, was organized by Hon. Stella Okotete.

Delivering the Governor’s address, Dr. Okorodudu described students as the leaders of tomorrow, emphasizing that without them, there was no Nigeria tomorrow and urged the students to remain focused on their studies, embrace discipline and uphold strong moral values, while warning them against the dangers of crime, drug abuse and bad company.

“The day you decide to become a criminal, you have signed up not to live long. Strive to be useful to yourselves, your parents, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. 

Gov. Oborevwori expressed concern over the declining effectiveness of the family in shaping children’s character, contrasting present realities with the past when parents would discipline children for unexplained possessions and go as far as selling personal valuables to fund their education.

He thus, condemned the growing trend of parents celebrating ill-gotten wealth from their children, warning that if they failed in their role, the future of their children is at risk.

The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child welfare and education, assuring the children that government loved them and needed their support to build a better Delta State and Nigeria.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Delta State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, represented by the Ughelli North Acting Chief Inspector of Education, Mrs. Martha Odiete had said Children’s Day was set aside to remind society that every child deserves to be safe, loved and allowed to learn and grow without fear, emphasizing that education goes beyond passing examinations to building character, discipline and life skills required for success.

Mrs. Ezewu then highlighted the official theme for the 2026 Children’s Day, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion For Every Nigerian Child,” as announced by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and explained that the theme underscores the need to ensure no child is left behind due to age, disability, socio-economic background, religion, tribe or location.

A major highlight of the event was the maiden edition of the Delta Central Primary Schools Spelling Bee Competition where Emoyakpo Thierry of Doxaville British School, Oghara, Ethiope West, emerged overall winner after a keenly contested final round. Otite Stella of First Step Nursery/Primary and Secondary Unique School clinched the 1st runner-up position while Edema Urseoritse Laju Marvelous of Nepa Staff School Sapele, took 2nd runner-up.

The event was well attended by political leaders like Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central and Special Guest of Honour who was represented by Chief Dr. Engr. Joseph Okoro; Chief Collins Ezewu JP; Comrade Simeon Edjea; traditional rulers, education stakeholders and community leaders.

By Evelyn Obibi- Assay, Igho Ejememo 

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