Makinde’s wife spreads Easter joy to children in orphanages across Oyo

Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Makinde, has extended an Easter outreach to children in orphanages and care centres across the state, reaffirming her commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ajibike Lawal, the First Lady said the initiative was designed to celebrate the Easter season with less-privileged children and reassure them that they are loved and valued.

Speaking during the visits, Mrs. Lawal described the outreach as more than a seasonal celebration, noting that it reflects compassion and solidarity with children facing difficult circumstances. 

She emphasised that the children are not forgotten and remain a priority for the state government.

She also commended caregivers and guardians in the various homes for their dedication and selflessness, describing their efforts as a true reflection of humanity. According to her, children raised in a loving and supportive environment are more likely to grow into responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Also speaking, Olufunke Adeniyi-Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development in the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the outreach is part of sustained efforts by the First Lady to prioritise child welfare. 

She noted that such interventions are regularly carried out, especially during festive periods, to promote inclusion and care for vulnerable children.

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Encouraging the children, she urged them not to be limited by their present circumstances, stressing that they have the potential to achieve greatness in life.

The outreach covered several locations, including Jesus Children Mission Outreach, the Juvenile Correctional Institution, Crown Top Disability Support Services, Restanchor Total Child Parenting Foundation, and ABC Foundation, among others. Similar visits were also carried out in Iseyin and Ogbomosho, as well as other locations outside Ibadan.

At Restanchor Foundation, its President and Founder, Prince Leye Adefioye, commended the First Lady for her humanitarian efforts, noting that the visit brought renewed hope and a sense of belonging to the children. He, however, appealed for sustained support from the government.

As part of the initiative, relief materials, including cash, food items, and toiletries, were distributed to children in orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and facilities for persons with disabilities and special needs. Beneficiaries included the Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled, Agbedare Jesus Care Foundation, School for Special Needs, and the Nigerian Training Centre for the Blind.

In another outreach, the First Lady was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Faosat Sanni, who said the gesture was driven by Mrs. Makinde’s passion for children, particularly those with special needs. 

She called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the less privileged, stressing the importance of giving and inclusion.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that the items would go a long way in addressing their needs. 

They described the First Lady as a caring mother figure whose commitment to children’s welfare remains evident.