Easter Fiesta: Osamaye, O’Datiwa Women Celebrate 500 Vulnerable Children in Ondo

…….. Commends Aiyedatiwa’s inclusive leadership, expands support to children on streets

By Tolulope Eniola

Excitement and joy filled the air at the Ondo State Children’s Home and the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, arrived with officials from the ministry and O’datiwa women for a special Easter fiesta.

Organised under the O’Datiwa Care Initiative of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, the event brought smiles to the children as the Commissioner, O’datiwa women leaders, and ministry directors danced, dined, and celebrated with them in a warm atmosphere of love and care.

During the celebration, Dr Osamaye explained that the Easter fiesta was designed to spread joy amongst vulnerable children and demonstrate the government’s commitment to their welfare. She noted that the initiative also extended beyond government homes to children living on the streets, where food and relief items were distributed to those in need.

Addressing the children, the Commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the program and for consistently prioritising the welfare of vulnerable children across the state.

Dr Osamaye revealed that 500 children from government homes and the streets benefited from the Easter feeding program, describing the current administration as inclusive and deeply aware of the needs of the less privileged.

She assured the children that the homes would receive continued support from the government and appreciated the Governor for the construction of boreholes at the Juvenile Home and renovations of facilities to improve living conditions.

The Commissioner also inspected the facilities at the homes and commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for prioritising women’s and children’s issues in the state’s development agenda.

Earlier, former Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the Governor, Mrs Sarah Esakomo, praised the Easter fiesta initiative as a thoughtful gesture towards vulnerable children and urged beneficiaries to maintain good conduct and focus on their education.

Ondo State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme, Scale-Up Project, Dr Jumoke Bakare, also lauded the governor’s ongoing support for vulnerable groups in society.

At the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, the wife of the ALGON Chairman, Mrs Bose Fasuan
encouraged the children to be worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and remain hopeful for a brighter future.

In his remarks, Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Adebayo Oyegunwa, described the Easter fiesta as a historic event for the state, bringing unprecedented joy and renewed hope to less privileged children.

He praised Dr. Osamaye for her vision of restoring hope to the hopeless and uplifting the vulnerable through impactful social programs.

Similarly, the Director of Research and Planning, , Mr Oladeji , appreciated the Easter Fiesta gesture, which he described as the first of its kind in history, eulogising the inclusive governance led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for vulnerable children and the underprivileged in the state.
The director Child, Mr Mefun Tophas appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for creativity and passion to make life easier for the less privileged.

Present on the entourage of the commissioner at the three locations today were Wife of ALGON Chairman, Mrs Bose Fasua, Mrs Ajaka Adenike, Wife of Commisioner for health, Nurse Aarinola Adamolekun(HMB Board Member) ,
Hon Sarah Esaikumoh,
Hon Chief Mrs Iyaloja Adu, Chief Mrs Aisida Kemi, Chief Mrs Eko Davies, Hon Mrs Mosun Odukale, Mrs Afilaka Tayelolu, Mama Animola Grace, Chief Mrs Adaramoye,
Alhaja Idera Sikirat, Mrs Oluwafemi, Mrs Omoboni Oluwatoyin, Alhaja Yusuf Mariam, Dr Mrs Jumoke Bakare(State Project Cordinator, Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up),

Others are Mrs Kemi Adewumi, Mrs Joshua Deborah, Hon Ms Olatunji Ewa, Mrs Temitope Ojo, Mr Kolawole Sunday,
Mr Akindele Ibukun (SA to commissioner),
Mr Sola Oladeji (Director Planning),
MrAdeusi Raymond (Press Officer) ,
Mr Adeyemi( Deputy Director Child),
Mrs Aduloju, Mrs Akinmolayan Victoria
Mr Adebayo Oyegunwa( Director Social and Welfare department),
Chief Stephen Arawomo( Dep Director Welfare), Mr Oyewole and Mr Akadiri (wardens of the correctional center) and other members of staff of the correctional home.