The Founder of The Duke’s Infant and Child Foundation and convener of the maiden Train-the- Trainers Summit, Mrs. Augusta Olachi Anyanwu-Egbom, has raised concern over the rising moral decline among children and called for urgent value reorientation across homes, schools, and communities.
Speaking at the event held in Asaba and Warri, weekend, Mrs. Anyanwu-Egbom said the summit was conceived to confront what she termed a growing crisis of failed parenting, weak mentorship, and diminishing passion among some educators.
She warned that the nation risks producing a generation disconnected from essential values if decisive action is not taken.
Reaffirming that moral upbringing begins at home, she urged adults to take greater responsibility in shaping children’s character.
According to her, “True empowerment begins at home. Every word we speak, every lesson we teach, every act of kindness we demonstrate, plays a role in building the leaders of the future.”
She stressed the importance of inclusive development, insisting that children with special needs must not be left out in any discussion on moral or intellectual growth.
Mrs. Anyanwu-Egom called for stronger parental involvement, noting that children today were confronted with dangers such as drug abuse, cultism, violence, peer pressure, and the lure of quick but destructive lifestyles.
Declaring the summit open, wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, described the initiative as a “sacred mission to raise leaders, not just children who will survive, but children who will lead.”
Deaconess Oborevwori who was represented by wife of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Ify Akpowowo, observed that unchecked exposure to technology and social media was weakening moral development.
“We are in a time where values are challenged, where identity is questioned, and where the noise of the digital age threatens to drown the still, small voice of purpose,” she said.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, also raised concerns over what he described as “attitudinal derailment” among children, emphasizing the central role teachers play.
He said: “Parents may not know the owners of schools, but they know the teachers. When children excel, the school receives praise; when they misbehave, the school bears the blame. Teachers must, therefore, take this summit seriously”.
Various participants who spoke at the event hailed the summit as timely, inspirational, and transformative. With its emphasis on values, leadership, and responsibility, the initiative is expected to strengthen moral upbringing, rebuild family structures, and influence a new generation equipped to lead with integrity and purpose.
