OKOKHUO, OVIA NORTH EAST — As Nigeria joined the global community to mark the 2026 National Children’s Day, the Councilor representing Ward 09, Hon. Ekhator Osadebamwen, turned the spotlight on the future of the nation by hosting a high-impact celebration aimed at fostering inclusion and social development for children in Okokhuo.
Aligning with the Federal Government’s 2026 national theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” the event was more than a ceremonial gathering; it served as a robust platform to reaffirm the dignity, rights, and potential of children within the Ovia North East Local Government Area.
*A Commitment to Grassroots Development*
Addressing parents, educators, and the excited youth at the event, Hon. Ekhator Osadebamwen underscored that the welfare of the child is the fundamental yardstick for measuring the health of any community.
She emphasized that the “Future Now” agenda requires active, localized intervention to ensure that no child in her ward is marginalized or left behind.
"The future we dream of for our nation is not a distant vision—it is present in the classroom, the playground, and the homes of our children today," the Councilor stated.
"As a representative of this community, my mission is to ensure that every child in Ward 09 has the equitable support they need to thrive.
"We are moving beyond mere celebration to a renewed commitment to their education, health, and emotional security," Hon. Ekhator told Standarddailypress.com.
*Prioritizing the Nigerian Child*
The celebration featured various interactive segments designed to promote digital literacy awareness and social integration.
Hon. Ekhator Osadebamwen used the occasion to advocate for stronger family support systems and community vigilance in protecting children against exploitation, reinforcing the message that collective responsibility is the cornerstone of a safe environment.
Community leaders and parents present at the ceremony commended the Councilor for her grassroots approach, noting that her presence among the children sends a powerful message that local governance is a vehicle for personal and collective progress.
*Sustaining the Momentum*
The event in Okokhuo Ward 09 reflects a broader trend of leadership accountability within Edo State, echoing the national call for stakeholders to view Children’s Day as a moment of reckoning and renewal.
By prioritizing the vulnerable and ensuring children feel seen and valued, Hon. Ekhator Osadebamwen has set a high standard for youth-focused representation in Ovia North East.
As the festivities concluded, the message from Ward 09 remained clear: by investing in the children of Okokhuo today, the council is effectively building the foundation for a more prosperous, equitable, and secure tomorrow for all of Nigeria.