The Arole Oodua cum Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has charged governments at all level not to ignore their responsibilities to the children.
Flanked by his beautiful Queen, the Yeyeluwa, Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the Ooni made the call on Tuesday, during an end of the year programme organized for children by the queen tagged; Children Fun fair with Olori Naomi, held at the Ile Oodua palace of Ife.
“Children, I want to implore you to be obedient to your parents and teachers. You all are going to be great people in life, stay away from bad friends and ask necessary questions from your parents and guardians if anything is unclear to you.” The Ooni advised.
While felicitating with the children who stormed the palace in their large numbers, the Yeyeluwa lamented that issues pertaining to the young ones were not well attended to by the government, calling on all relevant stakeholders to act accordingly.
“If you look around our country, you will realize that programmes and policies of governments at all level favour the youths and the elderly, leaving behind the children who are leaders of tomorrow.” Yeyeluwa noted.
On the motivation behind the programme, Olori Naomi explained that it is a product of her love for the young children, adding that they must be well tutored and mentored.
“An avenue like this through which children come together to sing, dance and play a lot of games help in putting them in the right frame of mind. I added gift items in order to give back to the society in my own little way and also give all children here a sense of belonging.” The queen added.
The Wife of the Governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola who was represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bose Oyebamiji congratulated the children, noting that the government will never leave them alone.
“Alhaja Oyetola loves you and she asked me to tell you to face your studies and be obedient children to your parents. Happy new year 2020 in advance.” She said.
In her message to the Ooni and Olori Naomi, Mrs. Oroyemi Elizabeth who is the proprietress of Covenant Orphanage Home lauded the duo for the programme.
“Everybody knows that the Ooni is our father who has been there for us, and I am not surprised when I realized that our mother, the queen is taking after him by catering for the poor and less privileged members of the society. I appreciate them both and I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless them.”
Similarly, seven-year-old Olufunke Faseyi who could not hide her joy thanked the queen for creating the beautiful event and the gifts she got. Eight-year-old Emeka Ume equally thanked the Ooni, adding that he was happy to be with his school mates again.
Eminent personalities at the event coloured by several cultural displays were the wife of the Osun State All Progressives Congress’ Chairman, Mrs. Olubunmi Famodun, wife of the Osun State Head of Service, Mrs. Kikelomo Oyebade among others.
The happy children who went home with several gift items including toys, clothes and food items were entertained by the prominent comedian, Ayo Ajewole popularly known as Woli Agba and other performers.
