The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion and sustainable development of children across the Niger Delta region, saying every child deserves equal opportunities regardless of background or social status.
The Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made the pledge during the celebration of the 2026 International Children’s Day held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event, which brought together schoolchildren, teachers, government officials and stakeholders, was organised in line with this year’s Children’s Day theme, “The Future Now – Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
The NDDC boss, who was represented at the event by the commission’s Deputy Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue, said the agency remained committed to investing in the future of children in the Niger Delta.
Details of the event were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Speaking during the event, Ogbuku said Children’s Day was not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of society to protect and empower children.
“Children’s Day is more than just any celebration,” he stated.
“It is a reminder of our duty to protect every child in the Niger Delta region and give them equal opportunities, regardless of their diversity and background.”
He explained that the commission’s activities go beyond physical infrastructure projects such as roads and buildings, stressing that human capital development, especially investment in children, remains an important part of the agency’s mandate.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when children are properly educated, protected and empowered to become responsible citizens.
Ogbuku said the 2026 Children’s Day theme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development.
He noted that the NDDC also aligns its programmes with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on improving the lives of Nigerians through better education, healthcare, economic opportunities and social welfare programmes.
“At the NDDC, we align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve education, healthcare, social protection and economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.
The NDDC managing director further stressed that inclusion and development must begin with deliberate investment in children.
According to him, the commission has continued to support programmes aimed at improving education, healthcare, digital learning and social welfare for children in the region.
“Through investments in education, healthcare, school infrastructure, skills, digital empowerment and social welfare, the NDDC is committed to building a more inclusive and prosperous Niger Delta,” he added.
The 2026 National Children’s Day celebration across Nigeria focused on promoting equal access to quality education, healthcare, child protection and digital opportunities for children regardless of economic status, disability, religion or ethnic background.
Stakeholders at the event also stressed the importance of education and responsible use of technology among young people.
One of the guest speakers, Dr Moses Egorerua, urged children to take their education seriously and avoid distractions that could affect their future.
He described education as a basic right and one of the strongest tools for personal growth and national development.
Egorerua encouraged children to use social media positively by focusing on learning, creativity and self-development instead of harmful activities online.
He also advised them to participate in community service and leadership activities that would help them become responsible citizens in the future.
According to him, young people must begin early to develop discipline, leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility toward society.
The event featured entertainment, educational activities and presentations by schoolchildren from different parts of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
As part of efforts to support learning, the NDDC distributed educational materials to children at the event.
Items shared included U-Lesson tablets, school bags and other learning materials aimed at supporting digital education and improving access to learning tools.
Many of the children and teachers who attended the programme expressed appreciation to the commission for the support and encouragement.
Some parents also praised the NDDC for paying attention to the welfare and education of children in the region.
The Niger Delta region, despite being one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing areas, has continued to face several social and economic challenges over the years, including poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure and limited access to quality education in some communities.
Over the years, the NDDC has carried out various intervention programmes in education, health, skills acquisition and infrastructure development across the nine Niger Delta states.
However, the commission has also faced criticism in the past over project delays, abandoned contracts and allegations of mismanagement.
Despite these concerns, the agency says it is committed to improving its programmes and ensuring that development projects directly benefit the people of the region.
Child rights advocates have also continued to call on government agencies and private organisations to prioritise policies that promote child protection, quality education and healthcare access.
For many stakeholders, this year’s Children’s Day celebration served as a reminder that the future of the country depends greatly on how well children are nurtured, educated and protected today.
As the event ended in Port Harcourt, the NDDC reiterated its promise to continue supporting programmes that will create a better future for children across the Niger Delta region.