Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has inaugurated a Children’s Parliament and a University Student/Pupil Choir as part of efforts to promote leadership development, inclusion and talent discovery among children within the university community.
The initiatives were unveiled during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge on Wednesday, where the Vice-Chancellor also administered the 2026 Children’s Day Pledge to children drawn from the RSU Staff School, International Secondary School (ISS), the University Women Association (UWA) Educational Centre and staff children attending other schools within Port Harcourt.
To constitute the Children’s Parliament, representatives were nominated from the three schools and among staff children from other schools. Anita Ihugba Wome of ISS emerged Speaker, while Rejoice Amanyie of the Staff School was elected Deputy Speaker. Abinye Jason of the UWA Educational Centre became Clerk, while Cherish Izeoma of Compass International School was selected as member representative.
Speaking during the inauguration, Zeb-Obipi said the Children’s Parliament would provide a platform for children to express their views and contribute ideas on issues affecting them within the university environment.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at building confidence, leadership capacity and active participation among children.
He congratulated the newly appointed leaders, noting that they would serve for one year before another set of officers would be inaugurated during the next Children’s Day celebration.
The Vice-Chancellor also approved a grant of N100,000 for the House Leaders and directed the Acting Director of Corporate Affairs to conclude arrangements for parliamentary sittings and provision of regalia.
Zeb-Obipi further formally announced the commencement of the University Student/Pupil Choir, first introduced during the 2026 Easter Hymnal Evening. He explained that the choir, which would perform at major university events, would include pupils and students from the Staff School, ISS and the UWA Educational Centre.
He said the programme was designed to nurture talents in music, arts and creative expression among children of staff and members of the university community.
Speaking on the theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” the Vice-Chancellor described children as the future of the nation and stressed the need to deliberately protect, educate and empower every child irrespective of social background or physical ability.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to child development through improved access to educational support facilities, libraries, laboratories and ICT centres during holidays, while urging school administrators to utilise the university’s ICT Innovation Hub for practical digital training.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the children to dream big, embrace learning, practise inclusion and uphold strong moral values. He also commended parents and university staff for their sacrifices in raising responsible families and contributing to a better society.
Zeb-Obipi further appreciated Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for implementing the harmonised minimum wage for university staff, noting that improved workers’ welfare would positively impact family stability and child development.
Earlier, President of the Rivers State University Women Association, Dr. Victoria Ayah Zeb-Obipi, described the Children’s Day theme as a call for collective responsibility in protecting, including and empowering every Nigerian child.
She stressed the importance of quality education, healthcare, moral upbringing and equal opportunities for children regardless of tribe, religion, disability or economic status, while urging parents, teachers and stakeholders to work together in raising responsible and morally upright children.
According to her, the association remains committed to nurturing children who are academically sound, morally disciplined, emotionally stable and globally competitive, noting that investment in children is crucial to national development and social stability.
In a sermon titled “Little Hands in God’s Hand,” Rev. Emmanuel Awortu emphasised love, inclusion and proper guidance for children.
Referencing the biblical account of Jesus welcoming children despite opposition from his disciples, the cleric said children should never be treated as distractions, stressing that every child is valuable and deserves support to thrive.
He urged parents, schools, churches and society to create enabling environments for children, warned against discrimination and encouraged parents to serve as positive role models.
The event featured the cutting of the Children’s Day cake and performances by children from the participating schools.
