Stakeholders, NAWOJ Highlight Power of Inclusive Education in Transforming Children’s Lives

Stakeholders have call for the urgent need to build a future of hope, confidence and empowerment for Nigerian children, highlighting how strong advocacy, responsible parenting, digital literacy and equal opportunities for every child can transform the lives of children.

They spoke at the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

The colourful event, which attracted pupils and students from primary and secondary schools, special needs institutions and orphanage homes across Delta State, was held under the theme: “Building Hope and Confidence in Every Child Through Care, Education and Love.”

Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, said the celebration went beyond entertainment and merriment, noting that the future of society would largely depend on how children are nurtured and guided today.

She explained that the programme was deliberately designed to promote inclusion, love and social responsibility while drawing attention to the collective duty of society toward raising children in an atmosphere of care, equality and opportunity.

“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,” she stated.

Comrade 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 while ensuring no child suffers neglect or discrimination.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Director of Elim-Bridge Autism and Neurodevelopmental Foundation (EANF), Dr. Chijioke Nwoko, made a passionate appeal 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.

“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,” he said.

The autism advocate recounted experiences where children with special needs were isolated during academic and social activities, warning that such practices damage 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 all 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.

“The time has come to tell the story of every child. We must build an inclusive society where no child is left behind because of differences,” he added.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel, also called for the integration of digital literacy, innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into children’s education to prepare them for emerging global realities.

Enebeli said 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.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence should be positively introduced into children’s lives as a tool for learning, research, creativity, innovation and skills development.

He, however, cautioned against the dangers of uncontrolled social media exposure among children, citing concerns over cyberbullying, misinformation, distractions and moral decline.

“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,” he stated.

Also speaking, Proprietor of City Child Academy, Ekpan, Dr. Mrs. Rose Obi, encouraged children to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence in all areas of life. She also advised parents to maintain regular 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.