Ekiti Education Commissioner urges Students to embrace Positive Values, Responsible Leadership at Children’s Day Symposium*

*Ekiti Education Commissioner urges Students to embrace Positive Values, Responsible Leadership at Children’s Day Symposium*

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education , Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, has urged students to embrace values that promote positive development, active citizenship and responsible leadership as essential ingredients for building a better society and sustaining good governance.

Aderiye gave the charge during the 2026 Children’s Day Symposium organised by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, where students from selected secondary schools across the state deliberated on the theme: “Child Development and Good Governance.”

The symposium featured presentations from representatives of various schools, including Adebisi Elizabeth of Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti; John Jasper of Daglore Model College, Ikole-Ekiti; Ale Oluwademilade of Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti; Chukwuka Favour of St. Mary’s Girls Grammar School, Ikole-Ekiti; Alayande Oreoluwa of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; and Faboyede Fisayo of Alamoye Comprehensive High School, Aramoko-Ekiti.

The students, in their presentations, described child development and good governance as inseparable, noting that child development represents “good governance translated into action and policies.”

They explained that good governance entails responsible leadership that guarantees protection, quality education, healthcare, nutrition, accountability and improved living standards for citizens.

The students also acknowledged their roles in nation-building, stressing the need for children to support government efforts by protecting public property, obeying laws, maintaining order and becoming responsible citizens.

Aderiye, who monitored the competition, commended the students for their intellectual depth, confidence and understanding of governance and societal values.

She encouraged them to shun fear and self-doubt, reminding them that greatness resides in every child willing to dream, learn and lead responsibly.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, described children as the foundation of every progressive society.

According to him, investment in children’s education, welfare and moral upbringing remains a top priority of government.

Ogunmola said the symposium was designed to equip children with the knowledge, confidence and values required to become responsible leaders, patriotic citizens and future change-makers.

In their remarks ,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, and the Director-General, Civic Orientation and Citizenship, also commended the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for placing children at the centre of governance through policies and programmes promoting inclusive education, improved access to quality learning and enhanced healthcare services.

The commissioner later presented cash prizes to participating speakers and other contributors in recognition of their outstanding performances at the symposium.