The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged parents and guardians to be mindful of their children’s future by taking good care of them as future leaders.
She equally charged parents to instil in their children the virtues of loving one’s neighbours and giving to the less privileged.
Dr Oyebanji made these statements while hosting hundreds of children at this year’s Christmas Party held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti.
The First Lady celebrated the kids, whom she described as “very precious gifts of God that must be well taken care of.”
Dr. Oyebanji congratulated the children and their parents for witnessing another Yuletide season, thanking the parents for taking care of the children and providing for their needs.
However, she urged parents to always be on guard and protect their children against all forms of abuse, noting that the state government frowns upon abuse and violations of children’s rights.
Mrs. Oyebanji, joined by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, said, “Parents should remember the less privileged and give food to those who don’t have what to eat. Let us bend backwards to help the less privileged; whatever you have, share it, especially in the spirit of the season.”
“Let us instill in our children the values of generosity and giving so that it will become a part of them, and when they do so, the world will be a better place to live in. The greatest gift we can give is the gift of love.”
She also stressed that perpetrators of child abuse are often individuals very close to their victims, which calls for extra vigilance to prevent children from becoming victims.
The First Lady revealed that her office had received several reports of child abuse, emphasizing the need for parents to collaborate with the government to combat the scourge effectively.
Dr. Oyebanji, who prayed for the children, explained that the Christmas party aimed to celebrate them and give them a sense of belonging.
The Deputy Governor, Chief Afuye, also connected with the children, leaving her seat to extend special greetings to the appreciative kids. She prayed for them and congratulated them for witnessing another Christmas, which offered another opportunity to celebrate them.
The Christmas party featured talent displays by the children, choreography, dancing competitions, and the presentation of gifts, among other activities.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; the wife of the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs. Adenike Aribasoye; All Progressives Congress (APC) state Women Leader, Mrs. Caroline Egunlusi, and female members of the State Executive Council, all celebrating with the children.
