2013 Children’s Day celebration marked in Ondo State.

[FMINigeria]

                        The 2013 Children's Day celebration has been marked in Ondo State with the State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko reiterating his government's determination to continue to improve on its 'Caring Heart' programmes which have been of great benefit to the generality of the children in the State.

The Ondo State Governor, who said that the choice of the theme of this year's celebration, "Our Children, Our Future, Our Collective Responsibility", is based on the need for government, parents and all stakeholders to come together, synergize their efforts and develop policies and programmes that will shape the future of the Nigerian child.  He also added that the theme is expected to create an opportunity for the various stakeholders to reflect on "Our collective roles and responsibilities for the well-being of our children who are no doubt our future, our pride, as well as our potential leaders".  Governor Mimiko added, "We shall strive to maintain our leading role in Child protection services in Nigeria by making the 25 Family Courts already established for the purpose of hearing children related cases in various parts of the State to be more vibrant.  We shall continue to be committed to the implantation of the Ondo State Child's Rights Law, while we shall also continue to frown at all forms of abuse of the child".

In the pursuit of the people-oriented and child-friendly government in the state, Dr. Mimiko promised that his administration would continue to create avenues of benefits for the children in Ondo State for the next four years, expressing the belief that the prayers of the children had contributed immensely to his success at the poll as well as at the post-election tribunal.

According to the Governor, the present administration in the state would continue to pursue with vigor programmes like complete renovation of public schools with perimeter fencing, Abiye Safe Motherhood Programme, sustenance of the existing mega schools and the construction of additional ones, supply of laboratory equipment and buses to public schools across the state, giving the assurance that Ondo State would be the best administered State in Nigeria.

He called on every stakeholder at homes, schools and organizations in the eighteen local government areas of the state to rise up to their responsibilities towards their children, adding that the task of creating the desired future for the children of today should be seen as a joint effort and collective responsibilities.

Dr. Mimiko equally called on the children to develop the right attitude to life, be obedient and shun deviant behaviours.  He advised further that they should not be immodest in dressing and shun examination malpractices.

Earlier in her address at this year's Children's Day Celebration, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ajayi had appreciated Governor Olusegun Mimiko for allowing the welfare of children to be a major focus of his administration, saying that the impressive record is unprecedented in the annals of the State.

Other programmes that featured at the celebration apart from march past by the children's representatives from the eighteen local government areas of the State, are special rendition by children, epic drama, 'ewi' and cultural display.

Presentation of prizes to schools and local governments' representatives that came first, second and third in the march past was done at the occasion.

Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria