Children’s Day 2023: Ooni of Ife celebrates with kids at his palace

Children’s day! A special day to recognize, honor, celebrate and appreciate children – GOD’S GIFTS.

The Ooni of Ife, His  Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II), celebrates Children’s day urging Nigerian children to believe in Nigeria and be dedicated to the development of the country.

The celebration was held at his Royal Majesty palace.  With Smiling Simeon been one of the sponsors of the event where Dr. Mrs. Faderera Johnson the CEO of Seventh sports and events limited is the consultant. The Children’s Day Celebration was organized by the Ile Oodua and hosted by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II), on Friday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Addressing the happy children, Ooni Ogunwusi said, “Through some of my initiatives, I’m promoting child education, fostering healthy living through regular healthcare provisions, providing expanding feeding schemes through primary schools, and relocating street kids to safer designated centres through different welfare packages.

“It’s our greatest obligations to invest in young children and build significant resources for them as that remain the surest legacies we can leave behind.

“The security of the future starts with the seeds sown today. We, as a nation, need to begin sowing the right seeds and cultivating them towards the betterment of humanity. Our greatest resource capital is our children, as they stand to continue the several legacies we leave behind. We must begin to build and sustain the right foundations for our beloved children and our nation. They are the bedrock of our existence.”

School children across the city of Ife took part in several competitions including a debate with the topic, ‘Yoruba Traditional culture is better than Western culture”, after which several gift items including cash prizes were given to the participants. The winners of the several competitions are as follows: Olawoyin Moses Gbolahan, Adams Aishat, Precious Chidi Amos, Alozie Joy Precious, Taiye Sofiyat Adegbile, Kehinde Suliyat Adegbile, Oluwanifemi Naomi Awosunle, Salami Beauty Abiunbi and Oyawusi Oluwasenu Grace, got a trip to South Africa to attend the Prakis International Education Conference – Transformation Education Agenda for Africa, from 12th to 17th September, 2022.

Comrade Chidi Amos, the Deputy Convener/CEO of Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI), had earlier in his opening speech thanked the Ooni for his love for the children which has helped the poor and other vulnerable members of the society.

He expressed the impressive turnout of the primary school pupils dressed in the sport wears of their respective schools and accompanied by their teachers and parents.

Also present at the event were Chief (Mrs.) Ani Nana Okuribido the Chairman/ CEO of Smiling Simon, the CEO Seventh sports and events, Dr. (Mrs.)  Oluremi Fadereraa Johnson and other members of Smiling Simon, Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A) and Country Women Association of Nigeria.

Below are photos taken at the event.