Kunle Adelabu
-4 best pupils in 2018/19 Placement Secondary School Exam in Ikorodu awarded scholarship
Young master Idris Ahmed from Itunshokun in Ikorodu Local Government has emerged as the first ‘A day King’ in Ikorodu in a contest that was held at the 3rd edition of the Olori Kudirat Shotobi Christmas Party for the children.
The colourful and engaging party, which was attended by hundreds of pupils from various primary schools in Ikorodu, was held at the Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi Pavilion located within the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
Idris was crowned as the inaugural ‘A Day King’ after emerging the winner of the dancing and quiz competitions that was held during the exciting Christmas party.
At the event, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Tope Osikoya,through his foundation, Osikoya Education Endowment, awarded scholarship award to the best four pupils in Public Primary Schools in Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority in the 2018/19 Placement Secondary School Exam in Lagos State.
The beneficiaries, who were currently in their Junior Secondary One Classes, were given N50, 000 each.
They were Adigun Zainab, a student of Odogunyan Junior Secondary School, Ikorodu, Shode Rofiat, United Junior High School, Ikorodu, Adeboye Isaac, Shamsideen Junior Secondary School and Owoyale Abdulmalik, Ayangbure Junior High School.
Olori Kudirat Shotobi, the wife of the Ayangbure of Ikoroodu and the host, in her address, stated that Christmas period is a special season which offers opportunity for people to share gifts and reach out to the less privilege.
“Christmas is a traditional anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ and it is widely celebrated across world. It is a season of sharing and re-uniting with families and friends. We wine, dine and exchange gifts.
“It is a very special season of love and an opportunity for us to reach out to the less privilege, give alms to the poor and make those around us happy. It is a season for us to touch lives and affect our society in a positive way, as we are all gathered here to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ”.
She added that the period is a season to treat children and make them happy, while also asking parents to be observant of activities that their children engage in during the period.
“Basically, the celebration of Christmas is dedicated to our children who are the leaders of tomorrow; we need to cheer them up and make it a fun filled season for them and fill their hearts with happiness and joy.
“I seize this opportunity to advise the parents to take good care of their children, monitor their activities and watch who they relate with. Let us not be too carried away with joy of this festive period and always, we should all be observant and be security conscious at all times.
“As usual, we are here to have fun, dance and receive gifts as take home. I will implore all the children to maintain peace and order and everyone will surely remember today with the King and I as memorable”.
The Olori, who is fondly refers to as the ‘Treasure of Ikorodu’, thanked administrators of schools and teachers in Ikorodu Local government for bringing their pupils to the event and supporting the party.
She also expressed her appreciation to corporate bodies, chiefs and other individuals for their support for the annual gathering.
Dr Tope Osikoya, in his speech, commended the royal family for celebrating children in Ikorodu at every Christmas period while also enjoining parents to be watchful of their wards during the festive period.
“I am very delighted that Kabiyesi and Olori have organized this gathering for the children. I found it very important to participate and give scholarship to some pupils.
“It is important for parents to bring children up in the way of the Lord and give them education. These are good ways to bring up our children”.
He enjoined parents to always celebrate their children and wards, adding that such attitudes towards them will encourage them to develop positive attitudes.
The children-loving Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, expressed his love for the children by appreciating them with cash during performances and constantly raising his horse whip in appreciation.
He and his Olori were also seen leaving their seats to personally dish out directives in ensuring that hundreds of children that attended the party were given food packages.
Leading beverage company, Nestle Nigeria Plc, the producer of Milo, was on ground to distribute Milo drink to the children and guests while a soft drink producing company was also on ground to distribute Cool Cola to the gathering.
Children were also seen taking their turns to play inside Bouncing Castles provided to add more fun to this year’s celebration.
At the event were traditional chiefs, top officials of different educational institutions in Ikorodu, head of schools, teachers and parents.
