From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

A new chapter in child development advocacy began in Abuja on Thursday, with the official launch of the “My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI),” a foundation committed to transforming the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Nigerian children.

The Initiative aims to promote emotional intelligence, psychological resilience, and holistic growth for the nation’s young generation.

The launch featured the maiden Ultimate Caregiver Enlightenment Symposium & Book Presentation, themed “United in Care: Guiding Hearts, Growing Minds.”

The event drew parents, teachers, and caregivers determined to raise emotionally balanced and resilient children in today’s increasingly complex world.

L-R Hajiya Khadijah Mohammed Isa, Wife of Former Minister of Communications, Mrs Justina Ihenacho, Child’s Righy Advocate, Mrs Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer, Founder Ummi Africa, Dr. Maryam Tukur-Shagaya, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Mrs Eni Ogon, Founder, Broadoaks British School, Hajiya Hadiza Yusuf, SA, Welfare and Community Engagement, North Central Development Commission.

Speaking at the event, Madam Chyna Clifford, child development advocate, children’s book illustrator, and founder of MCPI, said the Initiative was inspired by the need to understand the inner world of children, a world often filled with wonder, dreams, anxieties, and untapped potential. She noted that societal pressures frequently drown out children’s emotions, leaving questions unanswered and feelings overlooked.

According to her, this year’s symposium focused on children on the autism spectrum, providing caregivers and educators with practical strategies to better support their unique developmental and emotional needs.

Madam Clifford stressed that MCPI seeks to bridge the gap between psychology and parenting by equipping caregivers with tools, resources, and knowledge to support children’s emotional and behavioural development both at home and in school.

“Emotional intelligence must be valued as highly as academic achievement if Nigeria is to build a stable, empathetic, and progressive society,” she said.

“If we are serious about raising a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded, and socially responsible leaders, we must first understand the intricacies of a child’s mind. Healing the psyche of the child is healing the future of the nation,” she added.

The launch brought together educators, mental health professionals, and caregivers for a day of learning, reflection, and practical engagement.

Dr. Adaobi Okeke, a guest speaker, delivered a session on “Learning Differences & Neurodiversity (ADHD, Dyslexia & Autism),” highlighting how parents and teachers can better support neurodivergent children both at home and in school.

She also emphasized the need to reduce stress during pregnancy as a critical factor affecting children’s neurodevelopment.

An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Maryam Tukur-Shagaya, spoke on “Postpartum Struggles and the Emotional Journey of Motherhood,” stressing the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of new mothers, whose emotional challenges are often overlooked.

The founder of Ummi Women Empowerment Foundation (Ummi Africa), Mrs. Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer, encouraged women to prioritise self-care and work–life balance, offering practical strategies for emotional regulation in high-pressure environments.

An educationist and founder of Broadoaks British School, Mrs. Eni Ogon, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between schools and parents to ensure children’s mental wellness is nurtured alongside academic development.

The symposium reflected MCPI’s core mission of fostering emotional resilience and holistic development at all stages of childhood.

In closing, the Initiative extended an open invitation to families, educators, and caregivers: “Come, learn, unlearn, and relearn with us – for the sake of the minds we’re nurturing and the future we’re shaping.”

With its official launch, according to the founder, MCPI has positioned itself at the forefront of national conversations on child psychology, emotional wellbeing, and the urgent need to raise a generation that is not only brilliant but also balanced, not only informed but also inspired, and not only successful but genuinely humane.

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana will on Sunday mark his 80th birthday with a book launch.
A statement by his son, Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana (Member of the House of Representatives from Mokwa, Lavun and Edati Federal Constituency) said Gana was born on November 30, 1945.
The statement said the book will be unveiled at the Africa Hall, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The statement said: “Professor Gana’s life and career have been profoundly impactful, spanning decades of dedicated service to our nation as a former Minister of Information, Minister of Solid Minerals, and a key figure in national development and democratic processes. His contributions to academia, politics, and national discourse have left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
“In honour of his legacy and this significant milestone, a series of celebratory events
are being planned. We believe that his life story is one of inspiration and national importance, and it is a narrative that deserves to be shared.”

From Adeko Ukpa

Rotary International President-Elect for 2026/2027, Olayinka Akeem Babalola, has announced that the global humanitarian organization has committed $9.8 million to combat malaria and diarrheal diseases in Nigeria.

Babalola, who will assume office in July 2026 as president of the 119-year-old organization, made the announcement during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

Introducing him at the event, Past District Governor Joshua Hassan noted that Babalola is only the second African to hold Rotary’s top leadership position since its founding in 1905.

A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Babalola was elected by Rotary International’s Board of Directors to lead the 1.4 million-member organization, which operates through 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries.

L-R: District Governor Elect, Rtn. Sikiru Adetona, Past District Governor, Rtn. Joshua Hassan, Rotary International, President-Elect for 2026/2027, Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola and District Governor 9127, Rtn. Joy Nky Okoro, during the press conference by the President-Elect of the Rotary International in Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking at the briefing, Babalola said Rotary is scaling up projects to tackle malaria, diarrheal diseases, and gaps in immunization coverage.

He cited a $9.8 million initiative already underway in Kebbi and other states, explaining that it builds on a successful $4 million pilot project in Zambia that reduced malaria cases by nearly 50 percent.

“We know what to do to finish the job. We’re committed to making a difference in Nigeria, and we’re working with the government to achieve our goals,” he said.

Babalola reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to maternal and child health, disease prevention, education, water and sanitation, economic development, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.

On Rotary’s decades-long fight against polio, Babalola stressed that while Nigeria has been certified free of wild poliovirus, variant cases remain a threat due to low immunization coverage in some regions.

“We need to continue to vaccinate our children. Until there are no more cases of polio, no child is safe,” he said.

He warned that herd immunity requires at least 80 percent coverage, yet some states record as little as 13 percent while emphasizing Rotary’s partnership with government agencies to close these gaps.

According to him, Rotary International has invested over $300 million in Nigeria to combat polio as part of a global $3 billion commitment to eradication, in addition to donating $14 million to strengthen surveillance and curb the spread of all poliovirus strains.

Babalola also highlighted Rotary’s $2 million Healthy Families in Nigeria program, which aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by improving access to healthcare facilities.

In one district, he noted, the percentage of births in healthcare facilities increased from 11 percent to 33 percent within a year of implementation.

He said beyond health initiatives, Rotary continues to invest in education and clean water,  citing Rotary-supported classrooms, teacher training, and solar-powered lighting for schools, alongside a ₦100 million water and sanitation project in Rivers State.

“Safe water is not just health, it’s education,” he said.

Reflecting on his historic appointment, Babalola said his presidency would bring African innovation to Rotary’s global agenda while scaling programs that deliver measurable impact.

“This is a privilege to lead a global movement dedicated to creating lasting change, not only across communities but also within ourselves. It is an exciting development for Nigeria, Africa, and the entire Rotary world,” he said.

While Nigeria stands to gain recognition from having a Rotary president, Babalola stressed that the organization remains structured and impartial in resource allocation.

“On average, Rotary in Nigeria donates about $3 million annually. In Nigeria alone, in the last three years, the Rotary Foundation has spent $33.5 million. Will there be increased grants? The possibility is there. But that will only happen if our Rotarians step up and do more for their communities. And I think they will,” he said.

Looking ahead, Babalola expressed optimism that his tenure would see Rotary expand its humanitarian footprint across Africa and globally.

“Wherever Rotary goes, good things follow. We need more people, more clubs, and more partnerships to create lasting change. This is Africa’s moment to lead. We will show the world that solutions can come from here,” he said.

He encouraged Nigerians to join Rotary clubs and engage actively in solving community challenges, saying, “You tell them, this is an issue in this area; can we do something about it? If there’s a need in that community, your Rotary club will take care of it.”