In alignment with the United Nations directive to celebrate children annually, the Margaret Modinat Foundation hosted 600 pupils from ten public schools in Lagos State at the Agege Stadium for Children's Day. The event was attended by teachers who accompanied the pupils, as well as the Head of Service, Social Mobilisation, Agege Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Adenike Ibrahim.
Foundation's Commitment to Children
The Convener and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Princess Olanrewaju Osibote, stated that the celebration, now in its third edition, was organized to highlight the importance and role of children in nation building. She noted that she has been carrying out this initiative for the past ten years.
“The importance of conveying the message to the children that they are loved and should be celebrated cannot be over-emphasised,” Osibote said. “It then behooves the government to be very passionate about the children’s future by ensuring that right and committed personnel are engaged in the various institutions established for the sake of these children who are both citizens and leaders in the nation tomorrow. Being very passionate and catching them young should be a matter of priority for the government.”
Broader Mission of the Foundation
Osibote explained that her foundation also cares for people with mental health challenges, the less privileged, and supports education. She emphasized that the government needs to do more in building the nation and equipping it with the right leaders of tomorrow by ensuring children are happy at all times. She added that children should be made aware that there are people who care for them.
The convener underscored the importance of support for organizations passionate about children from people with the means, rather than wasting money on inconsequential things. She also highlighted the need to monitor those assigned to care for children, ensuring they are doing the right thing and helping those truly in need. Osibote expressed a desire to support vulnerable children and build homes for homeless children, supporting those who are really in need.
Call for Encouragement
Mrs. Adenike Ibrahim, Head of Service, Social Mobilisation, Agege Local Government Education Authority, who attended the event, underscored the importance of always encouraging children by doing everything to ensure they focus on their studies and become the right leaders of tomorrow.
