By Olusegun Obisanya
A not-for-profit and children-centered organisation, Margaret Modinat Foundation, has expressed willingness to partner with the government at all levels to meet the basic needs of children of all categories including the physically challenged ones.
The founder and Chief Executive of Margaret Modinat Foundation, Princess Olanrewaju Osibote, disclosed this yesterday at the second edition of Children’s Day celebration on Tuesday in Lagos with many schools from Agege Local Government Area in attendance.
The theme for this year’s Children’s Day celebration is “Empowering the Future: Celebrating Children’s Potential.”
Although it is observed at different dates in different countries globally, it is observed on Nigeria on May 27 annually. The Children’s Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children.
Osibote posited, “We are here to celebrate the children in need. We did it last year, our first edition. And I noticed that the children were so happy. They love it. And our attitude and behaviour towards the children in need makes me think we need to do it again this year. So, this is our second edition.
“What motivated me to go into this is that when I was growing up, I really enjoyed children felicitating with children in need. And I think something like this needs to be happening and spreading such that we don’t have to wait for the annual Children’s Day. So, I decided to show love to some children in public schools. They are fantastic.”
Excited about supporting children and the physically challenged, Osibote maintained that she’s committed to the course and called on government and the philanthropists to support her vision to chart a path for children who are desperately in need of support from members of the public.
“I’m not from a rich background. But when I was growing up, I always think about people. And I think if I can get support from the government, from friends, from other people, I promise I will be sincere, I will be loyal,” she added.
Speaking at the event, a member of Lagos State Assembly representing Alimosho Constituency 02, Honourable Kehinde Joseph stressed the importance of protecting children whose rights should be religiously protected from being abused either by their parents or third parties.
The lawmaker, who decried child trafficking, kidnapping and child abuse said the State government and legislators are working hard to protect children from various abuses by enacting various legislations to that effect.
“One of the most beautiful gifts God has given to families are children whose rights must be protected. So, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, we have lots of laws that protect the children. We have the children’s rights law and some other laws that give a lot of protection to children.
“And we must not discriminate against any child, irrespective of their challenge because each of them has his potentials that will be beneficial to himself, society, family, nation and the world at large, giving different innovations and disruptions that are being championed in the world today. They are our tomorrow, so let’s cherish and care for them.”
One of the children’s participants, Oluwaseun Omodesire commended the organisers for honouring them with the opportunity to celebrate the event and have fun.
He called on the government to provide basic infrastructure in schools that will aid their learning and become what they aspire to become in future.
Highlights of the day included cultural display, traditional songs and attire, match pass, music dance competition, with many parents and children thronged the venue to catch fun where children are truly celebrated. The participating school children were given branded education materials, bags and other useful gift items.
