The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has mounted a campaign for the future of the region.
He is of the belief that it is by getting the children to learn to integrate now that in the future, they would act together and not see each other with segregation mentality.
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Children in the Niger Delta must be assisted to bond while growing, and must not be allowed to grow as children of the rich versus those of the poor.
This admonition was handed down on May 27, 2025, by the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to mark the International Children’s Day.
Dr Ogbuku said policies and activities of government must involve children from public and private schools so that they learn early how to tolerate each other for the sake of tomorrow.
The managing director, while restating its commitment to prioritising the well-being of children in the Niger Delta region (focusing on social bonding and inclusion), said the children of the region were the generation that would shape the region and the world to come.
He thus said: “We must ensure that their development is handled with care. This would make a positive impact on the lives of our children and ensure we all have a better tomorrow.”
To kickstart actual integration of children of the region for bonding purposes, the NDDC boss stated that the children invited to the Children’s Day were selected from diverse backgrounds, including some from orphanages, government schools, and private schools. “Some of these children have not witnessed a gathering such as this. This is not just an opportunity for them to interact with other children, but also an avenue for social inclusion and bonding,” he said.
Speaking at the commemoration, Ogbuku, who was represented by Mrs Chioma Nwakwue, the NDDC deputy director of Education, Health, and Social Services, stated that beyond infrastructural development, the Commission emphasises human capital development.
He stressed: “We, at the NDDC, are passionate about our children in the region, and we are committed to putting smiles on their faces. We decided to commemorate this event because our children are the future of the Niger Delta region.
One of the speakers at the occasion, Shirley Minakaro, highlighted the importance of goal setting, kicking off her session by using affirmations on the children.
She affirmed: “It is important to reflect on your goals regularly, take concrete steps towards them, and stay focused on achieving these goals. As children, you must visualise the kind of future you want for yourself. You must write down what you want to be in future. Goals are a crucial part of growth.”
According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission gave out U-lesson tablets, school bags, and other educational materials to the children.
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