Equal Opportunities for Children Across Delta as SDGs Summer Camp Ends with Inclusion, Leadership Message

ASABA — The 3rd Delta State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summer Camp has ended in Asaba with a renewed push for equal opportunities, inclusive education and early leadership development, as organisers stressed that no child  regardless of background or ability should be left behind in the state’s drive for sustainable development.

The five-day camp, held in honour of the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, brought together children from diverse backgrounds and abilities for practical lessons in leadership, governance, technology, health, environmental protection, financial literacy and citizenship.

Rather than limiting the SDGs to classroom lessons, the programme gave the children practical exposure through field excursions, simulations, executive mentorship, workshops and a mock parliamentary session designed to build confidence, civic awareness and leadership skills.

At the grand closing ceremony, the First Lady was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, while parents, government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and volunteers joined the children to mark the end of the programme.

Among those present were renowned environmentalist and “Desert Warrior”, Dr Newton Jibunoh, OON; the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu; the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ms Kokome Okoh; and representatives of the Kelvin Jolomi Foundation and Madonna School for Kids with Special Needs.

A major highlight of the camp was the participation of children with special needs, reinforcing the SDG principle of “Leave No One Behind.”

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, said the initiative was deliberately structured to ensure that every child felt included and exposed to opportunities beyond the classroom.

“A child should never look at leadership, technology, education or opportunity and think, ‘this is not for someone like me.’ Our responsibility is to expose them to possibility and give every child a seat at the table,” she said.

The campers visited the Nelson Mandela Gardens, interacted with Dr Jibunoh, participated in environmental and recycling activities, received first-aid and emergency-response training, and explored technology, robotics and financial literacy.

They also held a mock parliament where they debated and passed proposed bills covering sanitation and waste management, free education, the establishment of an SDG Museum and the institutionalisation of the Summer Camp through 2030.

The children later presented the proposed bills at the closing ceremony, drawing an enthusiastic response from parents and guests.

Lady Eyo-Enoette said the true success of the camp would ultimately be measured by how the participants applied the knowledge and exposure they had gained.

“We may not know which child will become a governor, doctor, environmentalist, entrepreneur, legislator, diplomat or development leader. But we can make sure that today, they know those possibilities exist,” she said.

The programme ended with awards to partners and contributors, group photographs and a celebration of the young participants.

The organisers said the camp had strengthened the children’s understanding of civic responsibility, environmental management, technology and leadership while advancing Delta State’s commitment to youth development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The message from the 2026 camp was clear: inclusion must begin early, opportunity must be accessible to every child, and today’s children must be equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders.