The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has distributed gift items to 1,000 children in a project tagged: “Ori-Omi Children’s Party 2022”.
The children, aged betwern two and 18 years received branded gift items, in addition to special gift awarded to winners in games and dancing competitions.
They were also thrilled to other attractions like bouncing castles and horse riding during the yuletide celebration programme.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo said the programme aimed at giving the children within Abeokuta environs a memorable holiday.
She said celebrating with others aside their families in a controlled and secured atmosphere would definitely put smiles on their faces.
“This is one of the present administration’s lofty ideas of spreading love and integrating children into Christmas celebration.
“We as an administration understands that the celebration is incomplete without children being touched tenderly with love,” she said.
Some of the children including Emmanuel Nwabusi, Kolade Adegoke and Esther Fagbenro, expressed gratitude to Gov. Dapo Abiodun for the gesture.
They described it as an act of kindness, adding that, “the celebration was top-notch”.
Also, elated Abdulwasiu Banmeke, who spoke in Yoruba language, said he had participated in various programmes of the event for over eight hours.
Banmeke, winner of the dancing competition, said the event availed him opportunity to interact freely and closely with those not his acquaintances.
“I hope this will continue at every festive periods,” he said.