By Our Correspondent
LAGOS/Nigeria: A Non-Governmental Organisation, Masterminds Community Foundation, has organised an emotional intelligence development programme for students of New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos, aimed at equipping them with essential life skills for personal growth, discipline and responsible social behaviour.
The initiative, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, focused on helping students develop emotional awareness, confidence, empathy, communication skills and positive decision-making needed to navigate challenges in school and society.
Speaking during the programme, the Founder of Masterminds Community Foundation, Mrs. Vivian Oghene, said the intervention became necessary due to increasing emotional pressures facing young people from peer influence, society and digital media exposure.
She described emotional intelligence as a critical life skill capable of enhancing leadership abilities, mental well-being, self-confidence, conflict resolution and healthy interpersonal relationships among children and teenagers.
According to her, emotional education has become essential in helping children maintain balance and make sound decisions in today’s rapidly changing society.
“This programme is focused on self-awareness, empathy, self-control, confidence, kindness, communication skills and responsible decision-making as important tools for emotional balance and healthy relationships among students,” she stated.
Oghene explained that beyond academic excellence, emotional intelligence must be intentionally taught to enable students properly manage emotions, build healthy relationships and make wiser long-term life choices.
She advised students to continuously practice self-awareness, empathy, kindness, confidence and emotional discipline in order to achieve a successful and balanced future.
Also speaking, one of the facilitators, Mrs. Rupa Wajapey, explained that simple breathing exercises could help students manage stress, reduce anxiety and respond calmly during emotionally challenging situations.
“We engaged the students by teaching them breathing techniques that can help them control anger, improve concentration and manage emotional pressure instead of reacting impulsively,” she added.
In her remarks, the Administrator of New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Mrs. Uche Agbazue, commended the Foundation for what she described as a timely and impactful initiative for students’ emotional and social development.
“This programme is highly significant because it has opened the minds of our students to emotional discipline, empathy and positive behaviour. I sincerely appreciate the Foundation for this laudable intervention,” she said.
Agbazue assured that the school management would continue to encourage students to apply the emotional intelligence skills learned both within the school environment and in their daily interactions at home and in society.
The students also participated in interactive sessions on teamwork, friendship building, self-confidence, communication, respect for others and positive emotional management in everyday situations.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through mentorship, education and community-based programmes aimed at promoting emotional resilience, leadership and responsible citizenship.
