By Esther Onyegbula

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and development of children in underserved communities with a colourful Children’s Day celebration for pupils in Mushin area of Lagos.

The event, held at Papa Ajao Primary School Compound to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, brought together pupils and teachers from six schools, including Alaba Primary School, New City Primary School, Palm Avenue Primary School, Papa Ajao Primary School, Oduduwa Primary School and Estate Primary School.

The celebration featured games, entertainment, gifts, food and educational activities aimed at creating memorable experiences for the children while promoting inclusion, safety and access to quality opportunities.

In a goodwill message delivered at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, Engineer Gbenga Akinyosoye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Mushin community and the Foundation’s vision of promoting social impact and human development.

He said the company would continue to support initiatives that positively influence the lives of children and strengthen educational development at the grassroots.

Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director of Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, Helen Egbe, said the Foundation remained committed to ensuring that children from underserved communities were not excluded from opportunities capable of shaping their future.

According to her, “This year’s theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ speaks directly to the heart of our Foundation’s work.

“At Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, we do not believe in leaving any child behind. Not the quiet one at the back of the classroom. Not the one who walks the farthest to get to school. Not the one whose uniform is worn thin. Every child carries a dream, and every dream deserves a chance.”

Egbe, who also spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the event, said the Foundation’s intervention in schools and communities was driven by a passion to ensure children in underserved communities are seen, heard and recognised for their potential.

She expressed appreciation to Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited and its Managing Director, Engineer Gbenga Akinyosoye, for sustained support towards programmes targeted at transforming lives and empowering communities.

The celebration also featured a road safety enlightenment session organised by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ikeja Command, in conjunction with RS 2.16 Ikeja Unit Command of the Cakasa Road Safety Unit.

The officials educated the pupils on safe road practices and responsible behaviour while commuting with parents and guardians.
Speaking during the sensitisation session, Assistant Corps Commander Olaniran S. Kolapo urged the children to become ambassadors of road safety in their homes and communities.

“Children must learn to speak up for safety. Whenever their parents, guardians or other adults are driving, they should ensure seat belts are used and discourage the use of phones while driving. Safety begins with awareness and responsibility,” he said.

As part of efforts to encourage road safety consciousness among children, the Cakasa Road Safety Unit distributed safety jackets donated by the Foundation to participating pupils.

Also speaking, Head Teacher of New City Primary School, Adeyemi Felix-Olabode, commended the Foundation for its consistency in supporting education and child development within the Mushin community.
He said the Foundation’s annual initiatives had continued to improve school attendance and boost pupils’ morale.

“Initiatives from Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation have encouraged many parents to bring their children to school regularly. The pupils are always looking forward to these events and the gifts from the Foundation every year. It has become something that inspires and motivates them,” he said.

The event ended with pupils participating in various recreational activities and receiving food items, gifts and educational materials, as the Foundation reiterated its commitment to building a more inclusive environment where every child is given the opportunity to dream, grow and succeed.