It was an atmosphere of fun and excitement as children from schools across the metropolis gathered at the JK Randle Museum Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island, to participate in the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Children’s Day, marked every May 27 around the world, is a time to reflect on the wellbeing and challenges facing children, as well as to raise awareness among governments on the need to create a conducive environment for children to thrive.
Welcoming the children to the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said the forum was put together to celebrate children and encourage the exchange of ideas among them.
He explained that the introduction of vocational training at the event was aimed at catching children young, adding that the best way to drive socio-economic development in any country is to empower its people.
Mr. Aregbe noted that the Lagos State Government places high priority on the future of children, which is why all ministries and parastatals have programs and initiatives directly targeted at their development.
He pointed out that, as a grassroots advocate, the celebration was part of giving back to society, emphasizing the state’s slogan that “no child should be left behind.”
According to him, the state government is making concerted efforts to revive culture, values, and family ties in order to restore old traditions, especially since the youth constitute nearly half of the state’s population.
He also noted that members of the state cabinet draw inspiration from the love Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife have for children and youths in Lagos State.
Mr. Aregbe urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children and not allow the pursuit of economic gains to make them abandon their responsibilities.
Some of the children, in interviews, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for celebrating them, helping them make new friends, and creating a platform for a brighter future.
They also promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired during the Children’s Day celebration.
Our correspondent reports that children from various schools across the metropolis were exposed to hands-on training in painting, tie and dye, candle making, shoemaking, and photography.
