The 3rd Delta State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summer Camp has concluded in Asaba, leaving behind a powerful message: every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, participate, dream and thrive.
The 2026 edition was deliberately held in honour of the First Lady of Delta State, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, recognising her commitment to children and her interventions supporting vulnerable children and children with special needs.
The initiative brought children together for an immersive learning experience designed to move the Sustainable Development Goals beyond the classroom and allow participants to encounter leadership, governance, health, technology, environmental responsibility, innovation and citizenship in practical ways. The official report describes the programme as combining executive mentorship, field excursions, practical simulations, legislative practice and interactive workshops.
At the Grand Closing Ceremony on Saturday, 15 August, Her Excellency Tobore Oborevwori was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, joining parents, campers, volunteers, government officials, traditional leaders and development partners to celebrate the children and the successful conclusion of the programme.
Other dignitaries recorded at the closing included renowned environmentalist and “Desert Warrior” Dr. Newton Jibunoh, OON; the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu; Ms. Kokome Okoh, SSA to the Governor on Media; the founder of the Kelvin Jolomi Foundation; representatives of Madonna School for Kids with Special Needs; alongside other state government officials and local leaders.
Beyond celebrating the First Lady, the Camp sought to demonstrate the SDG principle of “Leave No One Behind” in practice. Children of different backgrounds and abilities participated together, with the inclusion of children with special needs reinforcing a simple but important message: inclusion should not be an afterthought in development; it should be part of its design.
Speaking on the significance of the Camp, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, said:
“This year was particularly important to us because we wanted the Camp to reflect one of the most fundamental promises of the Sustainable Development Goals: Leave No One Behind. Honouring Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, gave us an opportunity to recognise her commitment to children while deliberately creating a space where children with different abilities could learn, participate and belong together.
A child should never look at leadership, technology, education or opportunity and think, ‘this is not for someone like me.’ Our responsibility is to expose them to possibility and give every child a seat at the table.”
Throughout the Camp, participants encountered development in action. They learned citizenship and patriotism, visited Nelson Mandela Gardens and interacted with Dr. Newton Jibunoh, participated in environmental and recycling activities, received first-aid and emergency-response training, explored technology and robotics, learned financial literacy and parliamentary procedures, and developed their own solutions to community challenges.
In one of the programme’s strongest demonstrations of child participation, campers conducted a mock parliament, debating and passing proposed bills on sanitation and waste management, free education access, establishment of an SDG Museum and institutionalisation of the Summer Camp through 2030. The children formally presented the bills during the closing ceremony.
“Every Child Must Be Given the Opportunity to Thrive”
Proposed quote for the Wife of the Deputy Governor, subject to her approval:
“What we have witnessed here demonstrates what becomes possible when children are given the right environment, exposure and encouragement. Inclusion means recognising that every child has value and ensuring that no child is excluded because of disability, circumstance or background. I commend this initiative and the deliberate effort to build confidence, leadership and responsibility in our children from an early age.”
Parents at the closing ceremony expressed appreciation for an experience that went beyond conventional holiday activities, particularly the exposure their children received to public institutions, accomplished leaders and practical life skills.
The enthusiastic reception of the children’s mock-parliament presentation was specifically recorded in the final report.
Lady Diana added that the long-term success of the Camp would not be measured simply by the number of activities completed, but by what the children do with what they experienced.
“We may not know which child will become a governor, doctor, environmentalist, entrepreneur, legislator, diplomat or development leader. But we can make sure that today, they know those possibilities exist. Exposure expands imagination, inclusion builds confidence, and participation gives children ownership of their future. That is what M.O.R.E Through SDGs means to us.”
The Camp concluded with awards recognising partners and contributors, group photographs and a shared celebration before participants departed. The official report concluded that the programme strengthened participants’ practical knowledge of civic responsibility, environmental management, technology and leadership while reinforcing Delta State’s commitment to sustainable development through youth-led action.
This is M.O.R.E Through SDGs building people, expanding opportunity and Leaving No One Behind.
Media Contact:
Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals
Delta State Government
Deltasasdgs@gmail.com
