By Bukola Olamona

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No fewer than 150 pupils and students from primary and secondary schools across Ondo state converged on the Hall of Bishop Hughes Memorial Nursery & Primary School to display different Nigerian cultures and languages to mark this year’s Children’s Day Celebration.
The programme tagged”Cultural Fiesta” the 4th of its kind to mark the African Day 2021 celebration.
In her goodwill message, the Zonal Education Officer for Akure South,Mrs Oluwakemi Akinsida said the occasion comes up once in a year to celebrate the children.
She added that culture is what differentiates us from other people and should be held in high esteem.
She called on the children to dress well adding that Nigerian culture is against exposing their body. She also said it is a way of giving respect to their elders.
She further admonished them to keep to whatever they learn and make use of it.
Earlier, the Regent of Ibulesoro, Princess Moyinoluwa Falowo applauded Kids & Teens Resource Centre for always putting smiles on the faces of children saying she was very impressed at the turnout and that she had a nice relaxing time with the children.
She said some people get scared from culture because of some aspect of it forgetting that religion and culture are two separate things.
” When it comes to culture, no matter your religion,you should find a place in it because culture is your identity” she said.
She also enjoined well meaning Nigerians to take a cue from the gesture by taking advantage of every opportunity to help the less privileged around them towards building a better society.
In her lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Ms. Olusola Balogun, described culture as a way of life of the people and it is primarily expressed in the way the people greet, dress, their food among others.
Mrs. Balogun while noting that the culture of the people in Nigeria is fast fading out, enjoined the children to go back home to their parents and learn about their different cultures so as to preserve some forms for the next generation.
On the essence of the yearly celebration, the host,and CEO, K& TRC Mr. Martin- Mary Falana said his NGO decided to start the Cultural Fiesta to celebrate with children other than the yearly match past that has marked children’s day celebration from time immemorial.
In a special presentation done by students of Bishop Hughes, Onyeabor Paul, Ndachaba Chebe and Aluko Oyindamola decried the state of the nation adding that many parents now neglect their children forgetting that they are their future and the leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the schools that participated in this year’s programme included All Saints Mega Primary School, Calvary International College, CAC Grammar School, Grand Nursery School, Bishop Hughes, St Anthony RCM and St Peters Unity Secondary School,St Theresa R.C.M, United CAC High School, Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, St. Peters Demonstration Primary School, among others.
At the end of the competition, CAC Grammar School topped the chart for best cultural display for the secondary category just as Bishop Hughes came first in the primary school category.