Sam Philip
As part of the activities lined up for the 2025 International Children’s Day, Children Parliament in Ondo State on Wednesday visited the state House of Assembly in Akure.
The young parliamentarians were led by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and were received by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
They observed the plenary session of the Assembly to get acquainted with legislative proceedings.
Special Adviser(Women Affairs and Social Development) Dr. Oluwaseun Osamaye had informed journalists on Monday that a number of programmes have been designed to make the celebration a memorable one.
Addressing the Children parliamentarians, the Speaker commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led Administration for investing in education, safety, social welfare and development of Ondo State Children.
He reassured Children parliamentarians of total supports of the 10th House of Assembly for them and the governor.
The young parliamentarians were accompanied by their parents and members of staff of the ministry and Save the Children International, a non-governmental organization(NGO) to the Assembly .
Dr. Osamaye explained that the resuscitation of the Children Parliament, which had been moribund for 12 years, is “one of the key initiatives under the current administration to give Ondo State Children a platform for their voices to be heard, to advocate for their rights, and advance causes that promotes Childre welfare with supports from Save the Children International.”
Meanwhile , after the young parliamentarians had observed the plenary session, they were led to the lower chamber, where they were given the opportunity to meet and have interaction with lawmakers.
Moreover, the Case Study and Communication Officer of Save the Children International, Mr. Eyimofe Omede, appreciated the speaker and all members of the Assembly for accommodating the Children parliamentarians.
He appealed for continuous support and recognition of the Children Parliament as a vital voice in governance and advocacy.
Samuel Raphael representing Akure South Local Government Area in the Children Parliament, expressed his excitement and felt honoured to be part of such a remarkable experience.
He, therefore, pledged to be a responsible and committed representative of his peers.
However, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly commended the efforts of Dr. Osamaye and expressed the Assembly’s willingness to support future engagement of the Children Parliament.
He commended the Governor for recognizing the value of children as not just physical beings but spiritual gifts with great potentials.
House Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (Owo Constituency II) commended the Ministry for addressing the pressing needs of children.
He described the access of the children parliamentarians to the Assembly chambers as a sign of hope for the future, encouraging the children to remain good ambassadors of their families, schools, the state, and the nation.
Also, Hon Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju (Ondo West) noted that the significance of the visit is to prepare the children for higher positions in future.
Princess Fayemi Olawumi (Ilaje) congratulated the young parliamentarians, encouraging them to pursue excellence irrespective of their gender.
She encouraged them, saying the sky is only the starting point for what they can achieve in life.
Likewise, Chris Ogunlana (Irele) and Hon Ologede (Akure North) advised the children to remain committed to their studies and never succumb to bullying in order to become successful individuals in life.
One of the Children Parliamentarians, Akinagbe Victor from St. Joseph College, Ondo (representing Ondo West Local Government Area) appreciated the Speaker and other Assembly members on behalf of other children parliamentarians for their warm reception and encouragement.
He also pledged to be a proud ambassador of the State.
Moreover, Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Oluseyi Odusola appreciated the lawmakers for dedicating their time to engage with the Children Parliament.