Adwinsa Publications, in collaboration with Ibadan Book Club, celebrated World Children’s Day 2024 with a highly engaging and impactful event titled ‘The Future of the Children.’ The program took place at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, and aimed to inspire and empower children to dream big despite societal challenges.
The event, which commenced at 10:30 am, witnessed the participation of students from Ibadan Boys High School, St. Paul Anglican School, and Sunshine International High School. Dignitaries in attendance included the State Librarian; Mr. Fakunle Busayo, CEO of Hope Alive Children Consult; and Mr. Olumofe Jacob of Raypower Media. The event was moderated by Mr. Adeleke of Rosy Touch Media and Art.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi introduced Adwinsa Publications, highlighting the organization’s commitment to promoting education and children’s development across Ghana and Nigeria. She emphasized the need to nurture children’s dreams despite the challenging socio-economic realities.
During the event, the speakers encouraged children to pursue their dreams with resilience and determination. They also stressed the importance of education and personal discipline in achieving greatness. the speakers highlighted the roles of families, governments, and society in shaping the future of children and emphasized the need for a collective effort to safeguard their well-being.
A key highlight of the program was a reading session featuring the book *‘Adama.’* Students from Ibadan Boys High School and Sunshine International High School read the first two chapters of the book, followed by an interactive discussion that deepened their understanding of its themes.
The event also featured various creative performances that showcased the talents of the participating students. Ibadan Boys High School presented a captivating drama, while students from all three schools recited thought-provoking poems. Arike Elewi entertained the audience with an impressive Yoruba *Ewi* rendition.
Mr. Fakunle Busayo, CEO of Hope Alive Educational Consultancy delivered the keynote lecture, which focused on the urgent need to prioritize children’s rights and well-being. He called for deliberate efforts from stakeholders to address the pressing challenges faced by children, particularly in Nigeria, such as poverty, poor access to education, and the threat of violence.
World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, aims to promote children’s rights and raise awareness about their well-being. The 2024 theme, *‘Listen to the Future,’* served as a clarion call for stakeholders to take action to secure the future of children globally.
During the event, discussions highlighted the plight of children in conflict zones like Gaza, where education and basic amenities are severely disrupted, and in Nigeria, where many children face hunger, abuse, and lack of access to education.
Speakers emphasized the importance of family upbringing, societal values, and government policies in ensuring a brighter future for children. They urged families to instill discipline and education in their children, while governments were encouraged to create enabling environments for children to thrive and protect their rights through robust policy implementation.
Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi presented several titles from Adwinsa Publications, including *‘Kidnappers in Action,’* *‘Break of Dawn,’* and *‘Adama.’* She encouraged schools and dignitaries to purchase the books to support children’s education. Many attendees, including school representatives, expressed interest in acquiring copies for their libraries and classrooms.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to the participating schools, including notepads, Adwinsa Publications titles, and other educational materials. This gesture stressed Adwinsa Publications’ commitment to fostering learning and creativity among children.
The program ended at 1:30 pm with a closing prayer and a memorable group photograph involving all participants.
Adwinsa Publications and Ibadan Book Club have once again demonstrated their dedication to supporting children’s growth and development. The event not only celebrated World Children’s Day but also inspired the children to dream and strive for a better future while calling on all stakeholders to play their roles effectively.
