NAWOJ Delta Marks Children’s Day With Strong Call For Inclusive Education, Responsible Parenting And Digital Preparedness

THE 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) placed national attention on the urgent need for inclusive education, responsible parenting, digital literacy and equal opportunities for every Nigerian child. Stakeholders at the event underscored that building a future of hope, confidence and empowerment requires deliberate investment in the welfare and development of children.

The well-attended ceremony brought together pupils from primary and secondary schools, students from special needs institutions and children from orphanage homes across the state. Held under the theme “Building Hope and Confidence in Every Child Through Care, Education and Love,” the programme highlighted broad societal responsibilities in nurturing the next generation.

In her address, Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, stressed that Children’s Day should transcend entertainment and be treated as a strategic platform for promoting child welfare, inclusion and value-based upbringing. She emphasized that the strength of future societies depends largely on the quality of guidance children receive today.

“This celebration is an expression of love—love for the children, for the parents and for ourselves as a society. The children of today will become the leaders and responsible adults of tomorrow,” she said.

Unobunjo commended parents and teachers for their sacrifices and urged them to remain steadfast in providing emotional, moral and academic support. She warned against any form of discrimination or neglect, noting that educators are critical partners in shaping responsible future citizens.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Director of the Elim-Bridge Autism and Neurodevelopmental Foundation (EANF), Dr. Chijioke Nwoko, made an impassioned case for stronger support for children living with developmental, behavioural and learning challenges. He lamented the persistent exclusion that many special needs pupils face in mainstream schools despite being physically present.

“True inclusion is beyond classroom placement. Many children are in school but not fully integrated. Every child truly means every child, including those with disabilities and neurodevelopmental differences,” he noted.

Dr. Nwoko recounted troubling cases where special needs pupils were deliberately isolated or restricted during academic and social activities, warning that such conduct erodes confidence and impedes healthy development. He urged schools to adopt flexible and adaptive learning methods that recognise individual learning patterns rather than imposing uniform expectations.

He further challenged journalists—particularly women journalists—to elevate stories that promote inclusion and give voice to children who are often ignored or marginalized. “We must build a society where no child is excluded because of differences,” he said.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel, added a digital dimension to the discourse, calling for the integration of digital literacy, creativity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into children’s education. He stressed that emerging global realities require Nigerian children to be equipped with technological competencies from an early age.

According to him, AI should be introduced responsibly as a tool for learning, innovation and skills development, but with strict monitoring to prevent the dangers of unchecked online exposure. He highlighted risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation and distractions that may arise from unregulated access to social media.

“As custodians of the future, we must balance technology with discipline, moral values and human interaction. The children we raise today will determine the future of Delta State and Nigeria,” he stated.

Also speaking, proprietor of City Child Academy, Ekpan, Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Obi, advised children to remain committed to their studies and embrace excellence. She urged parents to maintain close supervision to detect and address undesirable behaviour early.

The celebration featured educational sessions, interactive engagements and recreational activities involving children from regular schools, special needs institutions and orphanage homes. The event ultimately reinforced a collective commitment to building a society founded on inclusion, care, equality and hope for every child.