Lagos, Nigeria — As part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Masterminds Community Foundation, has empowered students with essential emotional intelligence and life skills to enhance their personal and social development.
The initiative, held in partnership with New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Surulere, focused on equipping students with practical tools to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible life decisions.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Vivian Oghene, emphasised that emotional intelligence is increasingly vital for young people navigating modern societal pressures, particularly from social media and peer influence.
She described emotional intelligence as a key driver of leadership, mental well-being, confidence, and conflict resolution, stressing that academic success alone is no longer sufficient for holistic development.
According to her, the programme was designed to instill values such as self-awareness, empathy, self-control, kindness, effective communication, and responsible decision-making among students.
“Children today are exposed to diverse emotional pressures, and it is critical to equip them with the right skills to navigate these challenges successfully,” Oghene said.
Also speaking, a facilitator, Mrs Rupa Wajapey, highlighted the role of simple breathing techniques in helping students manage stress and emotional tension.
She noted that such exercises enable students to think clearly and respond calmly in difficult situations, rather than reacting impulsively.
“We taught them practical techniques to reduce anxiety, control anger, and improve focus, especially during emotionally challenging moments,” she added.
In her remarks, the Administrator of the school, Mrs Uche Agbazue, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in shaping students’ character and behaviour.
“This programme has broadened our students’ understanding of emotional discipline, empathy, and positive conduct. We will continue to encourage them to apply these skills both in school and at home,” she said.
The event featured interactive sessions where students engaged in activities centred on teamwork, communication, self-confidence, respect for others, and emotional management.
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Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27 in Nigeria, is dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of children and highlighting issues affecting their growth and development.
The Masterminds Community Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through mentorship, education, and community-based initiatives aimed at building emotionally resilient and responsible citizens.
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