By Evelyn Obibi-Assay, Igho Ejememo,
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on parents to take greater responsibility for the moral and educational upbringing of their children, stressing that the family remains the most important foundation for shaping responsible future leaders.
The Governor made the call on Wednesday at the 2026 Children’s Day Debate and Spelling Bee Competition held at the Urhobo Progressive Union Hall, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The event, organised by Stella Okotete, featured the maiden edition of the Delta Central Primary Schools Spelling Bee Competition aimed at nurturing confidence, academic excellence, and leadership among children.
Represented by the Executive Director of Projects, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, Governor Oborevwori described children as the future of the nation, warning students against crime, drug abuse, and negative peer influence. He urged them to remain disciplined, focused on their studies, and committed to values that would make them useful to society.
“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,” the Governor stated.
Governor Oborevwori expressed concern over what he described as the declining role of families in instilling discipline and moral values in children. He recalled an era when parents questioned suspicious wealth and made sacrifices, including selling personal belongings, to ensure their children received a quality education.
He condemned the growing trend of celebrating ill-got wealth among youths, warning that parents who neglect their responsibilities risk destroying the future of their children and society at large. The Governor, however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child welfare and quality education, assuring the children that government would continue to create opportunities for them to thrive.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Delta State Commissioner for Basic Education, Rose Ezewu, represented by the Ughelli North Acting Chief Inspector of Education, Mrs. Martha Odiete, described Children’s Day as a reminder that every child deserves safety, love, quality education, and equal opportunity to succeed.
She explained that the 2026 Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion For Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the need to ensure that no child is marginalised based on age, disability, religion, tribe, socio-economic background, or location.
A major highlight of the event was the keenly contested spelling bee competition, where Emoyakpo Thierry of Doxaville British School, Oghara, emerged overall winner. Otite Stella of First Step Nursery/Primary and Secondary Unique School finished as first runner-up, while Edema Urseoritse Laju Marvellous of NEPA Staff School, Sapele, secured the second runner-up position.
The event attracted notable political leaders, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, and community leaders, including Ede Dafinone, who was represented by Chief Engr. Joseph Okoro, alongside Chief Collins Ezewu JP and Comrade Simeon Edjea.
