Soludo Urges Anambra Children to Reject Negative Influences at Children’s Day

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has urged children in Anambra State and across Nigeria to embrace discipline, good conduct and positive values as the foundation for a successful future. 

The Governor gave the advice during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where thousands of pupils and students from across the state participated in the annual event.

Governor Soludo attended the celebration alongside his wife and First Lady of the state, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and his wife; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Law Mefor; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo. Their presence highlighted the administration’s continued emphasis on child welfare, education and social protection as critical pillars of development. 

The Governor said the future of Anambra rests on the younger generation and warned children against truancy, social vices and other negative influences capable of destroying their dreams.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, commended the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for her efforts in promoting maternal and child health, nutrition and girl-child empowerment through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative. 

She encouraged the children to remain focused on their education and personal growth, stating that “the future belongs to you, and no distraction should take you away from the dreams you have for yourselves.” She also highlighted government programmes aimed at protecting children’s rights and creating safe and supportive learning environments across the state.

Governor Soludo further outlined measures introduced by his administration to improve access to quality and affordable education. According to him, the deployment of smart schools, recruitment and training of teachers, and integration of technology into classroom learning are designed to prepare students for the demands of the modern world. 

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in expanding educational opportunities and social welfare programmes for children, stressing that collaboration at all levels of government remains essential to securing a brighter future for the next generation.

The celebration featured cultural and educational performances by schools across the state, including presentations by JSS 1 and JSS 2 students of Ado Girls Secondary School, who received applause for their display of discipline and talent. 

Other highlights included the ceremonial cutting of the Children’s Day cake and a colourful march past involving pupils from public and private schools across Anambra State.