By EKEMINI EYOH

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi has advised students to steer clear of friends that influence them negatively.

The Commissioner made this charge at the 2013 Total Open Day Forum for students from Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. The Total Open Day Forum is part of the Total E&P Corporate Social Responsibility with the aim of providing quality guidance and counselling to students in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director, Higher Education, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mae Solomon described peer group pressure as influence that a peer group exerts on others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviours to conform to group norms. Mrs. Solomon said that peer group pressure is always high during adolescence.

She also said that peer group pressure is always negative although such peer pressures have the positive sides. “Peer groups and the pressure they bring to bear on young people to conform to the group are not necessarily always negative. Peer group pressures can be positive influences to succeed such as in a sporting team, classroom or church choir. Peer groups are often supportive environments within which adolescents can achieve their major developmental goals of identity formation and autonomy, that is, eventual separation from parental authority.”

Solomon advised the students to join groups like the Press club, Drama and Reading clubs that will motivate and inspire them to achieve their goals in life. “Today, my focus is on the positive aspects of peer group pressure. As students and as someone aspiring to be a better person in life, I ask you to join groups that will affect your life positively. Groups like the Reading clubs, Press Club, Drama Club, choir etc. Such groups will inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals in life.

Also, I want to advise you to desist from groups that will distract you academically, socially and morally.”   She, however, called on parents to stay close to their children to guide them especially during the adolescent period. The Commissioner also commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi Rivers for transforming the education sector in the state and also the management of Total E&P for organising the Open Day Forum for students.

Another speaker at the forum, Prof. Ogbonna Joel said that peer groups affect the behaviour of a child. He stated that good peer group can make someone to be a better person. He advised the students to always think right, choose right and act right stressing that the key to success lies in it. Other speakers at the forum include Dr Augusta Fubara, Dr Chuka Nwagbara who spoke on Peer group pressure and drug abuse among students, Mr. Emma Ezeoba amongst others.