By Caroline Erowofiuna
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ogori-magongo, Right Reverend Festus Davis has called on government at levels to make the celebration of Children day a priority to give them sense of belonging as future leaders.
Bishop Davis made the call at the celebration of the Children Day by the Diocese.
Children’s Day celebration as an annual event celebrated every year on the twenty seventh of May in Nigeria holds a nostalgic memory for many who witnessed the event in years past.
Right Reverend Festus Davis, the Bishop of the Diocese called on Government at all levels to prioritize the celebration of children.
‘ I remember in those days during the reign of General Yakubu Gowon the Government used to send buses, trailers and different types of vehicles to pick us to the stadium for us to match. I wonder what is happening today.’
‘ I Want to remind the government of today that these children are the leaders of tomorrow and whatever we spend on them can never be a waste. The Bishop stated.
While thanking the Government for declaring the day free for the children to be celebrated the Clergy pleaded that Government should do more in making the day remarkable for children.
‘We in Diocese of OgoriMagongo have gathered together with our children to rejoice and thank God for making them to see yet another Children’s Day.’
He said children as Godly heritage are the leaders of tomorrow and as such should be given every support they need to be fulfilled.
The preacher at the event, Reverend Cannon Isaac Arogunmasa who spoke on the theme “Let the Children Come to Me” said they were not merely words spoken by Jesus; they were words spoken from a heart full of love, compassion, and deep concern for children.
He said children are Important to God and are not too small for God’s love or too young for God’s purpose.
Cannon Arogunmasa charged Christian parents to lead their Children to Jesus as children do not naturally know the way; parents, guardians, teachers, and the Church must lead them.
He noted that nowadays, many things are competing for the hearts of children: social media, immoral entertainment, peer pressure, violence, and godless lifestyles so parents must bring their children to Jesus, in order for the world not to draw them away.
Reverend Connon Arogunmasa urged the Church not to only preach to the children but to listen to them, nurture, encourage, and pray for them.
One of the children at the match past, Triumphant Amoyin said she has never witnessed any children day celebration hosted by the Government.
Triumphant pleaded with the government to see the Children day as important day in the lives of the children as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Similarly, Rehoboth Patrick, a primary school pupil expressed his joy that the Diocese has taken time to celebrate them pleading with the government to do same for them yearly.
Highlights of the event was cultural presentations and presentation of gifts to deserving participants.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings