Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection systems,equal access to education , quality education, healthcare and digital learning opportunities for children, pointing out that the future of the state depends on the investments made in children today.
SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia
Speaking during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah said his administration remained committed to building a society where every child could access quality education, affordable healthcare, social protection and opportunities for growth.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, described this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future now: Promoting inclusion for every Nigerian child” as a wake-up call on the need to strengthen supportive systems for the protection of Nigerian children.
He noted that child protection must not be left in the hands of government alone, stressing that families, schools, faith-based organisations, communities, civil society groups and security agencies all have important roles to play.
“A society that fails to protect its children weakens its future foundation,” he stated, adding that the gathering should serve as a renewed commitment to guarantee safety, dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities for every child,” he said.
The governor noted that children remained central to its development agenda, adding that human capital development was necessary for sustainable economic growth, technological advancement and social stability.
He highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector, especially the establishment of smart green schools across the 260 wards in the state.
He added that the schools are designed to expose children to digital literacy, artificial intelligence, science, technology, engineering, mechatronics and entrepreneurship from an early stage.
He explained that the vision behind the initiative went beyond physical infrastructure, noting that the objective was to prepare Enugu children to compete globally with their counterparts in the modern knowledge-driven economy.
“It is about raising a generation equipped with critical thinking skills, technology competencies, innovation and the knowledge required to succeed anywhere in the world,” he said.
Gov Mbah also said it had intensified investments in healthcare delivery through the rehabilitation and modernisation of primary healthcare facilities across communities in the state.
He added that maternal and child welfare programmes had equally been expanded to ensure children enjoyed quality healthcare and healthy learning environments.
He further urged teachers and educational institutions to go beyond academic instruction by instilling discipline, integrity, patriotism, compassion and innovation in children.
According to him, schools must produce responsible citizens capable of promoting peace, tolerance and national unity.
He called on parents, guardians and stakeholders to continue supporting policies and programmes aimed at protecting children from abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
He stressed that every child deserves a safe environment, quality education and equal opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society
Addressing the children , Governor Mbah encouraged them to remain focused on their studies, respect their parents and teachers, avoid harmful influences and embrace discipline and hard work.
“You are the pride of Enugu State and the hope of our collective future,” he said.
The event attracted top government officials, education stakeholders, traditional rulers and pupils from various schools across the state.
In an interview, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning, Enugu Smart Green School, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, said the state had shifted its education system from content-based learning to creativity and innovation.
Dr Chinyere Onyishi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning, Smart Green school
According to her, the reforms are designed to equip children with practical skills and prepare them for the global job market.
“The state government has done so much in Enugu State. Educational system has been shifted from contents to creativity. And we’re excited that our children will now have a better opportunity, a brighter opportunity to compete with their contemporaries anywhere in the world,” she said.
Onyishi explained that the vision of the government was to ensure inclusive education where no child would be excluded from opportunities for growth and innovation.
“Our children are now becoming more innovators. The state government has this vision that no child in Enugu will be left behind. So the intention is to carry all the children along to make sure that our children will be able to fit in very well in the job market when they come out of school,” she said.
HRC students celebrating their victory at the match past
She noted that although many people focus on the physical structures of the Smart Green Schools, the real transformation lies in the programmes and teaching methods being introduced.
“What is happening in Enugu Smart Green School cannot be underestimated. What we see now mainly is the structure. But the contents, the programme of the smart school are programmes that can help our children to connect them to global stage.
“Programmes that can encourage them to solve real problems through problem-solving approaches and creativity. Our children are no longer just recipients of knowledge; they are now co-creators,” she stated.
She revealed that teachers across the state were undergoing continuous training to align with global standards in teaching and digital literacy.
“Teachers remain the central point of this transformation. The state government is actually developing the teachers too, ensuring that our teachers will now be commensurable with global teachers.
“Teachers have been undergoing several trainings — physical training, virtual training, digital literacy skills, 21st-century skills and creativity skills that can help them support the students,” Onyishi said.
She expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would place Enugu among leading innovation-driven education hubs globally in the coming years.
“So many things are happening in Enugu State, and I want to assure you that in the next five years Enugu will surpass China. I’m no longer talking about competing. I’m very sure they are going to surpass China,” she said.
Smart Green school ,Owo students in cultural dance display
Students who spoke with newsmen commended Governor Mbah for his reformation in the education sector, calling for children protection from abuse, exploitation and discrimination..
Udeh Rita Mmesomachukwu from Holy Rosary College(HRC) urged the federal government to provide adequate security to protect the children. She expressed joy that her school came first in the march past. Udeh adviced the Nigerian children to be obedient and always obey the rules.
Udeh
Nwaneli Victor
Nwaneli Victor from St. Patrick College Emene, ,Enugu also appealed to the state government to ensure safe environment and adequate security in the schools inorder to protect the children. He expressed joy that their students did well in the march past and got first position in the boys’ schools category.
Highlights of the event were match past by the primary school pupils and secondary schools students as well as cultural dance displays.
Dignitaries present were the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi; Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Hyginus Edeh; and Chairman of the Post Primary School Management Board, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile
