Jare Olukotun
In the spirit of the season, the Imota Local Council Development Area, under the leadership of Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, on Wednesday, hosted a Christmas funfair for children in public primary and secondary schools across the council area at the council secretariat.
It was entertainment galore for participants who trooped in their large number to attend the funfair as they bonded and experienced a day of fun and merriment.
There was a dance competition with the winner receiving gifts and very warm appreciation went to other participants who were praised by other students and teachers. The programme also featured colourful traditional dance performances and choreography by students of the different schools present. It drew excitement and admiration from the crowd.
A moment that further energised the audience was the appearance of a child star, Saka Kollington, who performed and interacted warmly with the children, further exciting the young audience.
Welcoming the children, Comrade Olatayo Taiwo Hassan, Chairman of the Imota branch of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), said that the occasion was an opportunity for children from different socio-economic backgrounds to come together and interact with one another, and enjoy the festive period together.
He said hosting such an event for school children is to spread love and create fun, while also making it engaging, educational, and memorable for kids.
The Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, speaking at the event assured students of good and qualitative education in Imota LCDA, adding that his administration would build modern schools as well as renovate the existing ones.
He urged students in the council area to desist from violence and acts of thuggery, which he said are threats to their future.
Hon. BSA also advised students, as future leaders, to concentrate on their education and desist from doing things that could ruin their future.
Speaking further, the council chairman reiterated his dedication to delivering quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment in which children can thrive, stressing that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to providing social amenities for every child within its jurisdiction.
He assured the people that Imota will witness more developmental projects and dividends of democracy than in the past. He thereafter called on parents to mold their children into responsible citizens, adding that some students are easy targets and are involved in criminal activities.
The wife of the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Mrs Oluwatosin Benson Ayodele, commended the chairman for his unwavering commitment to children’s welfare. She also extended her gratitude to sponsors and stakeholders whose support made the event a success.
She described Christmas as a season of joy during which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and a period when friends and families visit each other while exchanging gifts, adding that the Christmas funfair was a way of giving the children a sense of belonging during the yuletide season.
She admonished parents to continue improving the care and attention given to their children, adding that the child’s good health and happiness should be a priority for parents at all times.
“We should train our children to inculcate the virtues and the culture of our people. Most importantly, I urge you to make the education of our children a top priority. There is no excuse for any child not to go to school any longer in our community because of the comprehensive educational policies of the state government. We must understand that education paves the way for a better standard of living in the world,” she said.
The Imota LCDA’s first lady also charged the children to be good to their parents and the elderly in society, enjoining them to refrain from all kinds of misbehaviour that could affect society negatively.
“Just as our parents have a crucial role to play in the life of our children, we as children also have our duties and responsibilities. Every child has the responsibility to be a good child to his or her family and to society at large. You should respect your parents, teachers, leaders, and the elderly in our society. I also urge you to refrain from all kinds of misbehaviour that could affect society adversely.”
Many gifts were distributed to the children, reinforcing the organisers’ commitment to making Christmas memorable for every child present.
The executive chairman, and others including the vice chairman, the first lady, the honourable councillors, and dignitaries and students were present in cutting the celebration cake.
Among the dignitaries present were: the vice chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon (Princess) Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh, the leader of the Imota Legislative arm; Councillor Oluwole Adesina, deputy leader of the House, Councillor Sunday Aberuagba; majority leader; Councilor Jelili Busayo, chief of staff; Mr. Kamilu Ogunnowo, the council manager; Mr Olumuyiwa Ayeni, council treasurer; Mr Oluyemi Onifade, and members of the management staff. Also present were teachers of the various schools in attendance, council staff, among others.
Through the event, which featured dance, games, a bouncing castle, music, gifts, and performances, the organisers succeeded in creating a joyful Christmas experience for public primary school students in Imota LCDA, and reinforced the administration’s commitment to promoting child welfare, happiness, and community support.
