Tina Amanda
Wife of Rivers State Governor Justice Suzette Eberechi Nyesom Wike has called for more focus on value orientation in schools and homes, which has long been neglected in society.
Justice Wike called while commemorating the Children’s Day celebration with a School Quiz Competition in her Honour, organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers, for schools in Port Harcourt.
Her Excellency, represented by FIDA United Nations Representative, Honourable Inime Aguma, emphasised that value orientation will bring about good parenting, which will, in turn, cause children to be taught the proper morals.
She encouraged the students to always give their best in all they do as every good seed they sow at the right time will germinate to take them to the next level in life.
“They are privileged to be here and participate in the quiz competition; not every child has the opportunity to be in school. They must always do what they ought to do at the right time.
“The students need to understand that in everything they do, they should give their very best starting from now because if they do not give in their best, later on in life, they will regret it. A seed not sown at the appropriate time can not germinate to take them to the next level.
“What is missing is value orientation, which should be focused on now; good parenting will teach our children the right thing to do.
“Education is not book learning; it encompasses so many things. We believe that with time the institutions are there, so many private and public schools offer different kinds of things, but I think value orientation is a significant key factor”.
Justice Suzette, however, urged people to make good use of family court facilities as it is very accessible while noting that many people are shy to take their problems to a court or even to a third party, which makes them stay and wallow in self-pity and poverty.
Chairperson FIDA Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, advised parents to always watch out for their children, especially in their mental health, as there are lots of paedophiles out waiting to abuse children.
“We are doing this in commemoration of the children’s Day celebration, and Her Excellency is our patron; she has been our patron for eight years, is our FIDA member and has given us so much support. As an organisation, we decided to honour her with the quiz competition to explore the children’s potential by competing amongst themselves.
“I will also advise parents to be more careful and always watch out for their children, especially on their mental health, because there are lots of paedophiles out there on the loose.
“Lots of children are being depressed as a result of societal pressure on them; there is a need as a parent to always discuss with your child, talk to your child, and know what is going on in their lives to reduce the high rate of suicide going on everywhere let it not come close to our children.
“The only way to achieve this is to have a close relationship with your child, know what is happening in the child’s life, be friends with your children even if you are not friends with them at least know what is happening in their lives”.
Bio-Briggs further admonished the students to be careful in whatever they do and not get involved or practice everything they see out there, such as drugs, immoralities, and cultism, amongst other vices, just as she urges them to learn to take one step at a time as success is always sure at the end.
In an interview with our Correspondent, some student participants thanked FIDA Rivers and Her Excellency Justice Suzette Eberechi Nyesom Wike for the opportunity to participate in the quiz competition.
They, however, said that the competition had taught them the need always to prepare and carry out a self-study to have general knowledge.
Our Correspondent report shows that Air Force Secondary School emerged in first position, BlueBell International School took 2nd position, and Government Secondary School Oromenike came 3rd in the quiz competition Award. Cash prizes, and gift items were given to the participating schools and the winners.
