2025 National Children’s Day Celebration
By Exponent News, Akure – May 27, 2025
The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, MNI, joined their counterparts across the nation in celebrating this year’s National Children’s Day. The theme for the celebration was: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free Generation.” The event aimed to give children a sense of belonging within the democratic system of governance in the country.
The celebration was held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade in Akure, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs. It was well-attended by children from public schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to the theme, bullying is defined as the repeated and intentional use of words or actions against an individual or group to cause distress and harm to their well-being. These actions are typically carried out by individuals who possess more power or influence over others or who seek to make others feel helpless or less powerful (Google, 2025).
Indiscipline remains rampant among the youth, particularly in schools, where senior students often bully their juniors. This troubling trend has become a serious concern for school authorities. Cases of bullying have, in some instances, led to students dropping out of school due to the emotional and psychological toll. Against this backdrop, the state government is working with stakeholders across the country to combat bullying and raise awareness through extensive publicity campaigns, ensuring the issue is addressed by relevant organizations.
In a separate highlight of this year’s celebration, organizers allowed children to showcase their talents through various oral and performance skills to entertain the guests. The program featured numerous activities, including match-past displays, choreography, cultural dances, parades, drama, and other forms of oral literature.
These performances reflected the cultural identity and heritage of each locality represented. It was a beautifully organized cultural display that revived memories of lost folklore traditions, celebrating the essence of our ancestors within a rich cultural context.
Speaking on the theme, Hon. Adenike Olawoye, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Mobilization, spoke with our correspondent. She expressed her joy at witnessing this year’s celebration with the children. According to her, it was a day to celebrate children, and she was glad to be part of the program again, as she also participated last year. She emphasized that such programs bring joy to children, who are the future leaders of the country. She advised students to shun indiscipline, noting that even the Bible condemns such behavior. She encouraged them to be well-behaved and to make their parents proud through academic excellence.
In conclusion, the children were delighted to participate in this year’s program, which gave them the opportunity to showcase their God-given talents. Present at the event were Wife of the Governor Olwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor,, and other top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries from various sectors of society.
