By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Ekiti State was a grand affair, marked by vibrant festivities, bringing joy and excitement to children across various towns and villages in Ekiti state.
Sponsored by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, thousands of children from various schools across the state participated in the march-past, which was supervised by the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Olayemi Abiodun Oyebanji as the annual event highlights the importance of nurturing and celebrating the younger generation.
The day’s activities commenced with a colorful parade where children from different schools, colorfully displayed and enthusiastically showcased their talents through cultural dances, music performances, and creative arts displays to the entertainment and amazement of the dignitaries including educators, parents, and well-wishers who gathered at the popular Oluyemi Kayode Stadium Ado Ekiti.
The wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji a passionate advocate for children’s education and welfare, who oversaw the proceedings with pride and joy, reminisced on her days in Baptist Primary and Secondary school Ado Ekiti and charged the children to maximize the various opportunities and facilities provided by the state government to acquire knowledge and skills marketable in the digital age, saying they could become whatever they want.
The associate professor of education at the University of Ibadan assured that the current administration will continue to place high premium on quality education of the children for human resource and capital development as well as productivity and effective service delivery culminating from the virtue and values that the state is known for.
She explained that the state will continue to create opportunities for the children, building legacies in them for leadership in all sectors by equipping them with needed knowledge, morals and characters charging them to be good ambassadors pf their parents and their homes.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, earlier in her welcome address, thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that fosters the realization of children’s dreams. She spoke passionately on the theme “Enhancing the Total Well-being of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development.”
According to her “Ekiti State is committed to providing all necessary tools to ensure our children can thrive and compete favorably in the digital age,” highlighting the impacts of various state programs such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the advancement of literacy and digital literacy for all.
She also emphasized the administration’s dedication to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state, lauding the various efforts and initiatives of the office of the first lady towards women and children’s right in the state.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Bosun Osaloni, leading the Chairmen of all Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ado Ekiti, praised the initiatives led by the First Lady, particularly her support for the education of less privileged children through her pet project, the Widows and Orphans Hope Initiative (WAOH). To further support the cause, the chairmen collectively donated 4,000 books to the “Back to School” program spearheaded by Dr. Mrs. Oyebanji.
The event featured a series of performances and competitions, including cultural dances, music, and creative arts, which captivated the audience. Children who excelled in these activities were recognized and awarded, further encouraging their talents and aspirations.
Parents, educators, and community leaders lauded the celebration as a significant step towards emphasizing the importance of education and holistic development for children in Ekiti State. “This event not only brings joy to our children but also underscores our collective responsibility to invest in their future,” said the Eyesorun Bosede Adejugbe, the wife of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti.
At the end of the March Pass, the command secondary school Isan Ekiti came first displaying the military training they received at the Command School.
The speaker Ekiti state children’s parliament, Rt Hon Miss Teminife Adeleye lauded the administration for the visions provided them and serving as models as well as the commitment to the welfares of the children by the state ministry of women affairs.
She pledged that the children will continue to make the state proud.
At the event were the state deputy Governor Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, the Secretary to the state Government Dr Mrs Habibat Adubiaro, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs Rt Hon Mrs Bolaji Olagbajurepresnted by a member of the committee Mr Tope Longe from Oye constituency, the wife of the Speaker Mrs Dupe Aribasoye the permanent secretary of the mInistry of women affairs Mrs Tayo Olatilu, the special adviser on special education Princess Adetoun Agboola among others.
The wife of the Governor later led the high powered dignitaries including the state commissioner for health Dr Oyebanji Filani to the unveiling of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine for girls between the age of Nine and fourteen as part of the preventive measures against cancers. The HPV vaccine will go across schools in the state between 27th of May to 31th as the wife of the Governor encourage all the parents to make their girls available for the vaccine.
The 2024 Children’s Day celebration at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium was a testament to Ekiti State’s commitment to child welfare and education. The enthusiastic participation and the various initiatives highlighted during the event demonstrates the community’s dedication to nurturing the next generation and providing them with the tools necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world.