Don’t abandon children amid national challenges, Ondo first lady urges parents

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Seun Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday urged parents and guardians not to neglect their critical roles in nurturing their children and ensuring their potentials are fulfilled, despite the current challenges in the country.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa gave the advice at the Children’s Christmas Carol organised by the state government in Akure.

“I would like to speak to the parents. Please, let’s take care of these children. Don’t behave like those who say children are not the future because of what is happening in the country,” she said.

She asked parents and guardians to always make time to listen to their children, saying that children should find friendship and intimacy with their parents so they do not yield to negative peer pressure.

“Also, I urge parents to listen to their children; that is very important. Even when you are tired, endeavour to listen to them,” she pleaded.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, noted that children between the ages of 5 and 10 were carefully selected from different groups to attend the event.

Osamaye added that the event aimed to give the children an opportunity for interactive engagement with the governor’s wife, stating that children from less privileged areas and charity homes were included to give them a sense of belonging in the state.

She further said that the children were exposed to meaningful fun while receiving various gifts, noting that the gesture was to showcase the state government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of children.

Commending the initiative, the Ondo State Children Parliament Speaker, Miss Olamide Poroye, expressed her gratitude to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife, describing the event as a funfair that would encourage children’s confidence and enthusiasm towards realising their potentials.