The Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, on Tuesday marked the Easter celebration with orphans and vulnerable children across the state, distributing food items and cash support to cushion the impact of prevailing economic challenges.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ajibike Lawal, said the outreach was aimed at demonstrating love and solidarity with vulnerable children, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to their welfare and well-being.
Speaking during visits to selected homes and institutions, Lawal explained that the Easter initiative was designed to ensure that children in orphanages and other vulnerable settings feel included and cared for during the festive season. She disclosed that 12 homes were visited across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
“We are celebrating with these children to show them that they are loved and remembered by the Oyo State Government, despite the challenges around us,” she said. “Easter is a season of love and sacrifice, and we want them to feel that love.”
She called on individuals, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to continue supporting vulnerable members of society, stressing that acts of kindness help build a more compassionate and inclusive society.
“When children grow up in love, they will also extend that love to others. Giving is a virtue that brings blessings, and we must always be willing to share, especially with those in need,” she added, while praying for good health and divine protection for the children.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Olufunke Adeniyi-Olajide, described the outreach as part of sustained efforts by the First Lady to prioritise child welfare across the state.
She noted that similar interventions are regularly carried out, particularly during festive periods, to ensure that vulnerable children are not excluded from celebrations.
“This is something we do consistently. It is not just about today; it is about building a culture of care and inclusion for these children,” she said.
Encouraging the children, Adeniyi-Olajide said their present circumstances should not limit their future ambitions.
“They can become anything in life, presidents, governors, doctors, and other professionals. There is no limit to what they can achieve,” she stated, while urging caregivers to remain committed to providing proper guidance and support.
The outreach covered several locations, including Jesus Children Mission Outreach in Lagelu, the Juvenile Correctional Institution in Sango, Ido Local Government Area, Crown Top Disability Support Services in Awotan, Restanchor Total Child Parenting Foundation in lagelu, and the ABC Foundation in Ologuneru. Similar activities were also extended to other parts of the state, including Iseyin and Ogbomosho.
At the Restanchor Total Child Parenting Foundation, the President and Founder, Pastor Prince Leye Adefioye, who spoke on behalf of beneficiary homes, commended the First Lady for her commitment to humanitarian service and child welfare, noting that her visit had brought renewed hope and a sense of belonging to the children.
He also appealed for sustained government support for the children.
