By Anne Azuka

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged stakeholders across the state to unite in tackling terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility.

The governor made the call on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, with the theme, “Security: A Collective Responsibility.”

The summit brought together security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and members of the business community to discuss strategies for improving security in the state.

Oborevwori said the protection of lives and property remains essential for sustainable development, adding that no society can thrive under insecurity.He stated that while security agencies and government have constitutional responsibilities, lasting peace depends on cooperation among communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies and citizens.

The governor disclosed that his administration had strengthened the state’s security architecture through partnerships with security agencies and investments in operational support. He also announced that the state government had approved the construction of divisional police headquarters across the 25 local government areas in preparation for the possible establishment of state police.

According to him, the Delta State Security Trust Fund has also been created as a platform for government and private-sector collaboration in supporting security operations.Oborevwori urged residents to support security agencies through timely information sharing and reporting of suspicious activities.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the summit was organised to address emerging security concerns and develop practical solutions. Security commanders at the event commended the governor’s support for security operations, noting that improved collaboration among stakeholders has contributed to reducing crime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, John Oyeniyi, said modern security challenges require cooperation among government, security agencies, communities and private organisations. Stakeholders at the summit reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across Delta State.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

A Professor of Social Studies and Environmental Education, Joseph Olukayode Ogunbiyi, has called for the integration of environmental values into Nigeria’s education system as a strategy for achieving sustainable development. Prof. Ogunbiyi made the call during the 21st Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, titled “The Green Classroom: Integrating Environmental Values into Learning.”

The lecturer said the increasing challenges of environmental degradation, pollution, deforestation, desertification and the effects of industrialisation require a stronger focus on environmental education.

He described the Green Classroom concept as an approach that combines environmental values, sustainability practices and practical learning, allowing students to engage directly with environmental issues.

Prof. Ogunbiyi traced the development of environmental education globally from the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the 1975 Belgrade Charter, the 1977 Tbilisi Conference and the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, noting that education remains central to promoting environmental responsibility.

He identified poor funding, shortage of trained specialists, examination-focused curricula, urbanisation and weak environmental awareness as major challenges affecting environmental education in Nigeria.The don recommended the use of Values Analysis and Values Clarification strategies to help students develop critical thinking, personal responsibility and better environmental decision-making skills.

He also proposed the introduction of dedicated Environmental Education degree programmes in universities, alongside stronger policies, improved learning resources, teacher training and wider adoption of Green Classrooms.The Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the lecture as an important academic milestone and noted that environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require urgent attention.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research and innovation that promote environmental sustainability. Prof. Usman congratulated Prof. Ogunbiyi on the achievement and commended him for contributing to academic development and public knowledge.

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

As demand for skilled technical manpower continues to grow, concerns are mounting over the declining interest in technical and vocational education. This skills gap has significant implications for employment, industrial development and economic growth. One institution seeking to address this challenge is J.U. Okwandu Memorial Technical College, which offers a range of vocational and technical programmes designed to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The college provides training in areas such as electrical installation, solar technology, welding and fabrication, building technology, computer studies and hardware maintenance, carpentry and joinery, plumbing, automobile mechanics, and fashion design.

In addition to its technical programmes, the institution offers core academic subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Literature-in-English, Civic Education, Christian Religious Studies, Animal Husbandry, Photography and Videography.

According to the author, the college combines technical training with academic education and is supported by boarding facilities, science and computer laboratories, a library, and a dedicated teaching workforce.The institution’s focus reflects the growing recognition of technical education as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Advocates argue that vocational skills can help address youth unemployment by preparing graduates for careers in skilled trades and enabling them to establish their own businesses.The article calls on parents and guardians to consider technical education as a viable option for their children, noting that practical skills remain essential to economic development and workforce sustainability in Nigeria.