OOni Urges Children to Believe in Nigeria

By Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has urged Nigerian children to believe in Nigeria and be dedicated to the development of the country.

The Ooni said this during the maiden edition of Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Ile Oodua and hosted by Olori Wuraola Otiti Ogunwusi, on Friday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

While noting that the level of patriotism in children was declining in the country, the Ooni urged leaders in the country to intensify investment in the children.

He said, “Children of the past believed so much in this country and that aided the growth of this country. Patriotism from the older generation children helped this nation so much, but the country no longer enjoys such today again. “Today’s children must also believe in this country, they must have hope in this country”.

“The children are the future of this country; we can do more for the children. We should be more afraid of the children than even the adult because the level of investment in them will tell on this country. Leaders must move closer to the children and that is exactly what you have seen my wife and I do today.”

On her part, Olori Wuraola appealed to parents to guide their children against social vices by dedicating more time to training them.

She expressed appreciation to the schools, children and parents that graced the occasion, saying, “Our joy is that this maiden edition came to reality. I commend us all for coming and urge us to train our children in ways that they will be beneficial for this country.”

During the Children’s Day celebration, pupils from different schools thrilled the Ooni, Olori and other monarchs with match past, and dances among other entertaining presentations.

The Ooni and Olori also danced and sang with the children who felt fulfilled and cheerful as they reacted joyfully.

For her dexterity in dancing, a seven-year-old pupil, Adekunle Oyin, was rewarded with N50, 000 by the Olori

The children, principal and parents commended the organisers of the programme for making them feel important.

Speaking on behalf of Parents and teachers Mrs. Balogun Ojuade who is the Head Teacher of St. Gabriel Primary School, Moore Ile-Ife, thanked Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi and her husband for recognising the school children of as their children by hosting them in their private home to mark this year’s Children’s Day,