The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has advocated a synergy among stakeholders to build a future where every child can grow up safe, healthy and empowered to fulfil their potential.
The First Lady made the call on Monday at the occasion of the 2024 Children’s Day celebration held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti, which was organized by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, under the leadership of the commissioner, Mrs Peju Babafemi urged stakeholders to invest in children’s health, education, and protection, prioritizing resources where they are needed most.
The colourful event witnessed a march past by different schools with cultural dance and presentation of gifts.
Oyebanji expressed optimism that there is hope for Ekiti children despite many global challenges as there exists the wherewithal to effect change and build a better future for children through concerted efforts of stakeholders like governments, civil society, the private sector and international organizations.
She said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skill Development” is apt and in sync with the governance agenda of Governor Biodun Abayomi’s administration which prioritizes the welfare and wellbeing of children in the state.
She expressed gratitude to the state government for its efforts at ensuring that every Ekiti child is in school with the free education policy of the government from primary school to secondary school level with the schools equipped with facilities and well-staffed.
According to her, all stakeholders must appreciate the need for qualitative education and skill development of the Nigerian child stressing that “every child is God’s gift to humanity” adding that “children are assets.”
She posited that education plays a crucial role in the national development of a country, impacting various aspects such as social progress, economy, and well-being.
According to her, “Due attention is accorded to children with special needs. Therapists and some other professionals have been employed for the three special schools. The State Government’s collaboration with development partners and the World Bank for the development of education in the State has been yielding results. ”
The Governor’s wife equally disclosed that her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) is targeted at assisting the educational development of indigent Ekiti children in addition to various intervention programmes of the state government.
She commended the Ministry of Women’s Affairs for organizing the event to celebrate the children in the state, noting that the gesture was a testament to the ministry’s commitment to achieving the agenda of the governor Oyebanji for Ekiti children.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi appreciated Governor Oyebanji’s various efforts at enhancing the right of the children in the state through quality education and skills development.
“I urged parents, guardians and all stakeholders to join hands with the state government to ensure the holistic development of our children.
“Our future as families and society hangs on these young ones who will take over the batons of leadership.
“We need to imbibe the right values in them and protect them from all forms of abuse, exploitation and violence,” she said.
She commended the efforts of the governor’s wife for her commitment to the development of Ekiti children through her various projects including Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH), saying, “It has brought succour to many Ekiti children in their educational pursuits.”
On her part, 14-year-old speaker of Ekiti Children Parliament, Teminife Adeleye commended the governor and his wife for their efforts at improving the lives of children through deliberate policies and programmes targeted at protecting the rights of children in the state.
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