THOUSANDS of Children across Oyo State were on Sunday celebrated by the government and other organizations in commemoration of the annual Children’s Day celebration where the children were treated to series of entertaining activities to make the day a joyful one for children.
While the Oyo state government held its event organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, a private radio station based in Ibadan, Inspiration FM also treated the children to fun and excitement at the Palms Shopping Mall, Ring Road, Ibadan.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Otunba Moses Adeyemo who delivered President Muhammadu Buhari’s address on behalf of Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the government is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of children as evident in the signing into law, the Violence Against Women Bill, adding that “the bill, we believe will drastically reduce cases of child abuse, rape, kidnapping and truancy in general.”
Adeyemo thanked the President Buhari led Federal Government for “consistently supporting programmes that will better the lots of the children in Nigeria”, citing the social investment programmes tagged ‘National Home Grown School Feeding’ which he said has greatly impacted positively on the enrollment of children in the primary schools.
“It is when our children are well protected that they will be able to grow and develop to their full potentials for better future for our society. Child protection is the responsibility of everyone as parents, teachers and guardians of children. This administration will ensure that all hands are on deck to contribute to the safety and well-being of the children”, he said.
The States commissioner of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Atinuke Oshunkoya in her speech stated that the event was to celebrate the children and reassure them of a better future.
She assured that the state will not relent in doing all to ensure the rights of the children are well protected and taken care off.
At the Palm Malls event, the Acting General Manager of Inspiration FM, Ibadan, Mr Olalekan Olajolumo explained that celebrating children by his organization is not just a jamboree or money-making venture, adding that the rationale behind organising a special fun party to celebrate the children is based on lots of reasons.
According to him, the Nigerian child should be induced not to be discouraged and remain resolute in the face of daunting challenges facing families today as the child remains a beacon of hope for the country.
He stressed that the media house known for its priority and flair for upholding family together organised the celebration to foster an atmosphere of fun, encouragement and hope for the Nigerian child, adding that it is the radio station’s way of taking responsibility of creating safe spaces for the children to thrive.
The highlight of the Adamasingba event was a march past by children from both public and private schools across the state and it had in attendance top government functionaries, political office holders, trade groups, and various nongovernmental organisations.
There were also performances by diverse cultural troupes, faith-based organisations, beneficiaries of the FG N-Power scheme, children homes as well as children with special abilities among others.
The theme of the 2018 celebration is “Creating safe spaces for children: our collective responsibilities.”
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