By Daniel Abe
The Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA)Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare,has called on parents to prioritize the welfare and education of their children irrespective of gender, physical ability or social status.
Hon. Bakare made the call on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration themed:”Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child”. The event,held at Community High School, Iloro-Ekiti, had in attendance political office holders, members of the senior management team of Irewolede LCDA, community leaders, parents, Iyalajes, teachers,as well as students from public primary and secondary schools.
In her address,the council boss congratulated the children on the occasion of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration and reiterated her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education for every child.
She emphasized that children living with disabilities deserve the same access to quality education,care and opportunities as other children, stressing that inclusive education remains essential to building a better society.
Bakare also commended the governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his huge investment in the education through the provision of a conducive learning environment and improved welfare for workers.
She urged the children to remain focused on their studies, noting that their future lies in their hands. She also encouraged them to obey their parents and guardians in order to secure a brighter future, while warning against illicit drugs abuse, truancy and other social vices.
In her remarks, the majority leader of Ekiti State Children and Youth Parliament,Hon.(Miss) Sarah Ajide, said children’s day is not only a day for celebration and enjoyment but a reminder to the society that every child matters.
She opined that every child deserve love, education, protection and equal opportunities to succeed no matter their background,tribe or financial status.
Also speaking, the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, HRM Oba James Olugbesoye, who was represented by the Iyalaje, Chief Titilayo Olowookere, congratulated the children and commended the management of Irewolede LCDA for organizing a befitting children’s day celebration.
The event featured cultural displays and match-pass competitions. At the end of the exercise, St. Paul’s Catholic Pilot School, Ijurin-Ekiti emerged first in the primary school category, while Ayetoro/Iloro High School came first in secondary school category.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of local Council Administration, Mr. Vincent Babatunde, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout of students from various schools and commended the Council’s Chairperson and the management team for the successful organization of the event.