Ooni urges children to believe in Nigeria, make sacrifices for its growth

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has urged Nigerian children to believe in the country and be ready to make sacrifices for its growth.
The Oba made the call during the maiden edition of the Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Ooni-in-Council, hosted by Queen Wuraola Ogunwusi, on Friday in Ile-Ife.
Ogunwusi said the level of patriotism among children was declining and urged leaders to intensify investments in children.
He added: “Children in the past believed so much in this country and that aided its growth then.
“Patriotism from the older generation children helped this nation so much, but the country no longer enjoys such today.
“Today’s children must also believe in this country; they must have hope in this country.
“Children are the future of this country; we must do more for them and make them place premium in working toward a better Nigeria.”
The royal father appealed to leaders to move closer to the children, pointing out that his wife was doing “just that”.
On her part, Queen Wuraola advised parents to guide their children against vices by dedicating more time to training them.
She thanked schools, children and parents that attended the occasion and promised to make it a yearly affair.
The event featured different forms of entertainments with the Ooni, Queen and other monarchs dancing gleefully with the children.
NAN also reports that a seven-year-old boy, Adekunle Oyin, was rewarded with N50,000 by Queen Wuraola for his beautiful dance steps.
Speaking on behalf of parents and teachers, Ojuade Balogun, the Head Teacher of St. Gabriel Primary School, Moore, Ile-Ife, thanked the queen and her husband for organising the activity.
Balogun said: “This is great; we are delighted and proud of our Queen and the King for hosting our children on this Children’s Day.
“The gifts will help both the schools and children.”