—- Ondo Assembly Speaker, gives support

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Ondo state government has said that the revival of the Children Parliament, which had been moribund for 12 years, will give them platform for their voices to be heard.

Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, said this when she led the 3rd Children Parliament of the state, their Parents, Staffs of the ministry and Save the Children International NGO, to pay a  visit to the Ondo State House of Assembly to witness the plenary session of the 10th Assembly.

The visit was part of the activities to mark the 2025 International Children’s Day celebration in the state.

Following their observation of the plenary session, the children were moved to the lower chamber, where they were given the opportunity to meet and have a conversation with the members of the house.

Osamaye who highlighted that the revival of the Children Parliament, “is one of the key initiatives under the current administration to give Ondo State Children a platform for their voices to be heard, to advocate for their rights, and advance causes that promotes Children welfare with supports from Save the Children International.

According to her, the children parliament would also encourage the children in exploring and exploiting their potentials

She said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration was determined to encourage the children in exploring and exploiting their potentials.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, commended the efforts of the Special Adviser on Women Affairs.

Oladiji expressed the House’s willingness to support future engagement of the Children Parliament.

He praised the Governor for recognizing the value of children as not just physical beings but spiritual gifts with great potential.

The House Majority Leader, Hon. Ogunmolasuyi (Owo Constituency II) commended the ministry for addressing the pressing needs of children, describing their access to the assembly chambers as a sign of hope for the future.

Ogunmolasuyi encouraged the children to remain good ambassadors of their families, schools, the state, and the nation.

Also, in their contributions, Hon Ogunwumiju from Ondo West, Hon. Princess Fayemi Olawumi From Ilaje,Hon. Chris Ogunlana from Irele and Hon Ologede from Akure North, emphasized the significance of the visit to prepare the children to occupy higher positions in future.

They congratulated the young parliamentarian and encouraged them to pursue excellence irrespective of gender.

The lawmakers urged them  to remain committed to their studies and to never succumb to bully in order to become successful individuals in life.

Mr. Eyimofe Omede, Case Study and Communication Officer of Save the Children International, expressed gratitude to the speaker and members of the house for accommodating the children’s parliament.

Omede also appealed for continued support and recognition of the Children Parliament as a vital voice in governance and advocacy.

One of the Parliamentarian, Akinagbe Victor from St. Joseph College, Ondo (representing Ondo West LGA) appreciated the speaker and other assembly members on behalf of other children parliamentarian for their warm reception and encouragement.

Also, Samuel Raphael from Akure South LGA, representing the Children Parliament, expressed his excitement and honoured at being part of such a remarkable experience.

Raphael pledged to be a responsible and committed representative of his peers.

Bishop Oluseyi Odusola, administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development expressed appreciation to the House for dedicating their time to engage with the Children Parliament.

The event marked a significant step in the reawakening of the children’s parliament and demonstrated the present administration in the state commitment to inclusive governance. End