It was a moment of joy, excitement and colourful celebration in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, brought together stakeholders, school children and residents to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The event, which held at the Aniocha North Local Government Council Field in Issele-Uku, attracted over fifty registered primary and secondary schools from across the Local Government Area, making the celebration one of the biggest gatherings of children in recent times within the council.
The colourful ceremony was attended by members of the Executive Council and Legislative Arm of the Local Government, as well as management and staff of the council.
The Executive Secretary of the Local Education Authority, Chief Inspector of Education, principals, headmasters, teachers, security chiefs, the Divisional Police Officer in Issele-Uku, leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), members of the clergy as well as other notable stakeholders in the education sector were also present at the event.
The event featured a spectacular match past by pupils and students from participating schools alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the Local Government Area.
The salute was taken by the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nneka Clara Dibie, alongside the Divisional Police Officer and the NUT Chairman in the area.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for children to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Aniocha North through captivating cultural dances and traditional displays presented by various schools.
At the end of the competitions, prizes were presented to winners in the match past and cultural display categories with awards given to schools that emerged in the first, second and third positions.
In his welcome address delivered by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nneka Clara Dibie, the Council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and warmly welcomed the children and guests to the occasion.
Hon. Chinye noted that the theme of this Year’s Children Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflected the commitment of the Renewed Hope for More Agenda and the G.A.I.N.S mantra of the All Progressives Congress-led government towards building a society where every child is protected, educated, empowered and given equal opportunity irrespective of background.
He emphasized that Children’s Day serves as a reminder to adults of their responsibility to provide children with the care, love and education needed to become responsible leaders of tomorrow.
The Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the Aniocha North Local Government to the promotion of child rights, free quality education and the fight against child labour, abuse and out-of-school syndrome.
According to him, the council has continued to support education through the renovation of some primary school classrooms, distribution of exercise books, construction of toilet facilities in schools to promote hygiene, facilitation of regular security patrols around schools for safe learning environments and periodic excursions for pupils to the council secretariat.
Hon. Chinye also appreciated parents, guardians and caregivers for their sacrifices and support towards raising responsible children, urging them to continue working collectively to nurture and empower every child in their communities.
He further advised children to shun social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, school dropout and the quest for quick wealth, encouraging them instead to remain focused on their education, respect their parents and teachers and continue to dream big.
The Chairman thanked all participants and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the celebration and prayed for safe journeys back to their various destinations.
The 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Aniocha North was widely described by participants as memorable, impactful and a true reflection of the council’s commitment to the wellbeing and future of children.
