SCOUTS FOR SDGs Summer Camp 2024: Education, Leadership Skills Made Available in Delta
The Scouts for SDGs Summer Camp 2024 officially which officially began on Monday, August 12th, has brought young and vibrant young persons from every corner of Delta State to learn practical leadership skills needed for sustainable community development.
FocalPoint Reports gathered that, this year’s four-days camp has united young scouts from various communities, including Oleh, Uvwie, Asaba, Bomadi, Udu, Sapele, and many other parts of the state together.
The opening ceremony was graced by a host of distinguished guests, underscoring the importance of the event. Notably, the First Lady of Delta State, Her Excellency Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women development, Dcns. Eunice Anirah. In her address, Dcns. Anirah emphasized the role of young people in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commended the organizers for creating such a platform.
Her Royal Highness, The Olori Atuwatse III of Warri Kingdom who doubles as the Chief Sponsor of the Scouts for SDGs summer camp was in attendance and delivered a mind blowing speech that captivated and inspired the young children. Her emphasis was on the importance of upholding meaningful character that is built around ethics and culture.
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), Orhue I, also showed strong support for the initiative. Though he was unable to attend in person, he was represented by the Traditional Prime Minister of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Affe, who delivered a message of encouragement to the scouts, urging them to take full advantage of the knowledge and skills being imparted during the camp.
Adding to the event's prominence, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Prof. Mrs. Doris Ogeleka, was also present. Prof. Ogeleka highlighted the critical role of education in achieving sustainable development, urging the young attendees to be proactive in their learning and in applying the principles of the SDGs they have learnt in their daily lives.
Also in attendance, there were several other important guests present, amongst them were the Chief Judge and President, Delta State Scouts Council, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai represented by Hon. Justice A Akpovi, Sapele LGA Chairman represented by the vice-chairman, Special Assistant to the Governor on Female Youth Development, Comr. Miracle Arenobi, the Delta State coordinator of World Health Organization, Dr. Faith Ireye, the NYSC DG Delta State, Mr Alao Olusegun who was ably represented by NYSC Sapele LGA inspector, Mr. Erasmus Obayojie, Ag. Director of Centre for Sustainable Development, FUPRE, Dr. Elias Elemike, Director of Career Services, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Dr. Ogwuche Christiana Ene, Ag. Director, Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources, FUPRE, Dr. Akinyemi O Ogunkeyede, Director General, Directorate of Sustainable Development Goals, Chief Daniel Ivwighren, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Orevaoghene Efenudu, Chairman Warri North, Hon. Festus Ashima, Former Delta State Scouts Commissioner and NHQ Prep - Assistant, Mr. Billy Onotue, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mass Mobilization, Pastor (Dr.) Vincent Udume Odogbor, Chief Walter Boyo, Founder Foodland, Obaroakpo of Okpe Kingdom.
Organized by the Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on SDGs, Lady Diana Ereyotomi Eyo-Enoette, the camp featured a rich array of activities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the SDGs among the participants. From interactive sessions on the 17 SDGs to moral learning and mind-building exercises, the camp sought to equip the children with the knowledge and skills needed to become responsible global citizens.
There were other activities like NYSC corp members training, World Health Organization sensitization program, SDG workshop by the FUPRE Center for Sustainable Development, Sports and recreational activities, Scouts Parade by the Delta State Scouts Council but one of the highlights of the camp was the "Story Time with Mama Iwere," the Olori Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom. Her tales, rich with cultural wisdom and values, captivated the young audience and served as a platform to instill virtues such as integrity, empathy, and resilience.
In addition to these educational sessions, the camp was also filled with daily fun activities, ensuring that the learning experience was both engaging and enjoyable. The scouts participated in team-building exercises, environmental conservation projects, and creative arts sessions, all designed to reinforce the principles of the SDGs in practical, hands-on ways.
The event was co-sponsored by a prominent figure, Chief Dr. Godday Oritsewano Erewa who stood out as one of the key supporters also doubles as the founder of the host school, Valley Stream British Schoos, Sapele, Delta State. His contributions, along with those of other sponsors, ensured that the camp was a resounding success.
As the camp concluded on Thursday, August 15, 2024, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment among the young participants. Many expressed their excitement about the new knowledge and experiences they had gained, with several vowing to become ambassadors for the SDGs in their schools and communities.
The "Scouts for SDGs" Summer Camp not only provided these young minds with a memorable experience but also planted the seeds for a future where Delta State's youth are at the forefront of sustainable development efforts.
