Seun AJAYI
Hundreds of children from various primary schools in Ikorodu were hosted by Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and his family to mark the celebration of the Christmas.
At the festive celebration, which was held at the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu on Monday, December 24, 2018, were scores of traditional chiefs, Honourary chiefs and notable dignitaries who had all come to support the monarch and his queen, Olori Kudirat Shotobi, in giving a befitting reception to the children.
Among the children that attended the memorable event were pupils from African Bethel Primary School, Aga Primary School, C&S Primary School, and Tindip School among others.
They had come in large number alongside other residents to celebrate the festive season with the royal family.
Oba Shotobi has been organizing the Christmas party for the children since his emergence as Ayangbure of Ikorodu in 2015 and it has indeed become a special event which children across Ikorodu usually look forward to because of its fun and razzmatazz.
Meanwhile, Olori Kudirat Shotobi, popular addressed as the Treasure of Ikorodu Kingdom, in her royal speech at to the event, stated:
“First and foremost, l give all glory and adoration to God Almighty for sparing our lives to celebrate this year’s Children Christmas Party in good health.
“Also, my gratitude goes to my darling husband, His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Jabiru Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu, for his support and I also appreciate all individuals, Proprietors/Proprietresses, Head teachers, teachers, corporate bodies, companies, Chiefs, families and friends that supported us with gifts, both in cash and kind, to make it possible for this special day to be fulfilled”.
She stated that Christmas as a special season is a period of sharing and touching of other people’s lives.
“Christmas is a season of sharing and re-uniting with families and friends, we wine and dine and exchange gifts. It is a very special season of love and an opportunity for us to reach out to the less privilege, give alms to the poor and make those around us happy. It is a season for us to touch lives and affect our society in a positive way as we are all gathered here to celebrate” , she added.
According to Olori Shotobi, the yearly celebration is dedicated to treating the children to a good time and engaging them in a memorable celebration.
“Basically, the celebration of Christmas is dedicated to our children who are the leaders of tomorrow; we need to cheer them up by making the festive season it a funfilled celebration for them.Therefore, I seize this opportunity to advise parents to take good care of their children, monitor their activities and watch those they relate with. Let us not be too carried away with the joy of this festive period and also, we should all be observant and security conscious at all times” , she concluded.
Ezeh Ajofor, one of the participating children at the event, in his remarks, stated that, “I’m very happy to be here. I’m really enjoying myself. I thank the king and his wife for organizing this party for us and I pray that God should bless them”.
Also, two other participants,Raheem Anjola and Banjo Olaolu, also joyfully expressed their gratitudes to the royal family for organising the Christmas party.
More so, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A Adeboye, prayed for the children during his courtesy visit to the royal family also on December 24.
He was represented by Pastor Joseph Obayemi, the National Overseer, The Redeemed Christain Church of God.
Among other dignitaries that graced the occasion were, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Alhaji Andus, Otunba Steve Anifowose, Brigadier – General Ezeh, Council of Baales, Erelus among others.
