By Sunday Nkama
Under the ebullient leadership of NWACHI Timothy A. U. the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration turned Government Secondary School field, venue of the event into a carnival of joy, talent, unity, and purpose
The theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” set the tone from the first drumbeat—a clear call that every child, regardless of background or ability, matters to the nation.
By 9:00 AM, pupils and students from public and private schools, along with parents, teachers, security agencies, and other stakeholders across Afikpo LGA, had converged in their finest attire to mark the day. The field came alive with school bands, cultural displays, and the beaming smiles of children who felt truly celebrated.
Addressing the children of the Area, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U. echoed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 message: “Your opinion matters, your ideas matter, your well-being matters.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to replicating the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of His Excellency, Gov. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in Afikpo by Improving basic education and healthcare and creating safe, inclusive spaces where every child—regardless of background or ability—feels seen, heard, and valued.
“We are building an Afikpo where no child is left behind,” he declared. “You are not just leaders of tomorrow. You are leaders of today. Dream big, work hard, and wear your future like a crown.”
The Council Chairman who was represented by his Vice, Hon. (Mrs.) Josephine Chinwe Nwogo urged the children to embrace discipline and purpose:
“My dear children, if you want a bright future, work hard, study diligently, obey your parents, and respect your elders. Shun every form of social vice—it destroys destinies. Your books are your wings. With education, character, and hard work, no mountain will be too high for you to climb.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Madukaibe Ewa (Flexible) described Afikpo’s children as “the clearest expression of tomorrow’s greatness.”
He called on all stakeholders to invest more in education, health, and child protection: “A society that listens to its children is not playing games—it is preparing wisely for the future. Our children are seeds of destiny. Let us water them with opportunity.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Speaker of Afikpo LGA Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Ibiam Precious Onyinyechi Ugo, captivated the crowd with eloquence beyond her years.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the Council Chairman, NWACHI Timothy A. U. for their commitment to child rights and welfare.
“Today, we do not just celebrate Children’s Day. We celebrate the promise that Nigeria sees us, hears us, and believes in us,” she said.
“We, the children of Afikpo, pledge to be examples of discipline, excellence, and patriotism. We will protect our environment, respect our elders, and use our voices for good. To every leader here: keep investing in us, because when you invest in a child, you invest in the future.”
The event was concluded with prize/ Cash presentation to schools that excelled in the march past and cultural display as follows; SECONDARY SCHOOL (MARCH PAST)
✓ 1st Position= Government Secondary School, Afikpo✓ 2nd Position= Amasiri Secondary School, Amasiri✓ 3rd Position= Nkpoghoro Community Secondary School, Afikpo. PRIMARY SCHOOL
✓ 1st Position= Ozizza Central School✓ 2nd Position = Nkpoghoro Primary School✓ 3rd Position= Amankwo/Amaobolobo Primary School
NURSERY SCHOOL
✓1st Position= Government Nursery School, Afikpo
✓2nd Position= Nkpoghoro Nursery School
✓3rd Position= Mgbom Community Nursery School
