By Levinus Nwabughiogu, Abuja

They had celebrated the city children in the past but it was now time to honour the children of the commoners in Abuja and the destination was Mabuchi in Abuja. This is a unique story of this year’s Children’s Day outing in the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT, organised by the young women forum of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Some of the children pose for pictures during the show

The beauty of the city gave it away. Hardly would anyone, more so a first time visitor, know there was a place as such due to the bridges and the good network of roads that spanned the area. In the front of the untarred road leading to the place were three gigantic public buildings housing the Federal Ministry of Environment and Federal Ministry of Works, amongst others. The area is called Mabushi, located within the Abuja metropolis.

The first impression one would get walking past the Ministries would be that of a cul-de-sac. But a little walk or drive behind the buildings would bring one face-to-face with a community where thousands of people live almost in squalor.

Call it a demolition-prone area or a free trade zone or anything, but the people, happy as they looked, called it Mabushi Village. But like a typical Nigerian suburb, men and women of all backgrounds are found there, living and happily going about their daily activities there. The place boast of a police post and a big market within the vicinity ensured that businesses thrived there on a daily basis.

But unfortunately, there is no road to the place except for what could only pass for a refuse-filled pathway used by motor vehicle owners to access the place and also use as parking bay. But then, with the development, you are sure to witness a total blockage of the lone road leading to the chief’s palace. Due to fear of demolition, residents didn’t care to build standard, durable houses and so lived mostly in make-shift structures.

But one thing was sure despite these huge infrastructural deficit: a teeming population of men, women, youth and children. They surged. It was here that the Young Women Forum of the All Progressives Congress, APC, chose to celebrate the 2015 Children’s Day on Saturday, May 30. It was indeed a lavish show that was fun-filled with different beats from the Disc Jockey, DJ; rib-cracking comedy and jokes from a clown and enough food in packs to go round the children and semi- adults.

Drawn from various schools which included LEA Primary School, Mabushi; City of Wisdom Nursery  and Primary School, Mabushi and  God’s Delight Primary School, the organisers obviously had just one thing on mind: to give sense of belonging the grassroots child. The event attracted many APC dignitaries, especially from Lagos and Abuja. For instance, the  Mother of the Day, Alhaja Aminat Akerele who is also the Chairperson, Onigbongbo LCDA, Lagos State flew down just to grace the occasion.

Speaking to Vanguard Metro, VM, the national coordinator, APC Young Women Forum, Elemo Damilola, said every child, irrespective of background, if given the opportunity and the appropriate environment, can thrive and become a force to reckon with in the society. She said: “We chose to come to Mabushi Village because most of the children’s parties we have had were always in the city.

We found that most of the children in the interior parts of the town have not been given a sense of belonging but APC has taken it upon itself to care for the grass root children because they are actually the ones that always come out to cast their votes anytime that there is an election. And we must not neglect them. We decided to   give them a sense of belonging and let them know that we really appreciate what they have done so far by having this party here.

“We decided to come here on a weekend to celebrate the children and let them know that they are the leaders of tomorrow. It is what we give them today that will make them to shine; and it is not only the children that stay in the city that are going to have the opportunity of being leaders of tomorrow.

“President Jonathan came from a village. President Buhari came from a village. They too can also become the President or governors of states.” Similarly, one of the leaders of APC in the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT and incidentally a resident of the community, Hon. Yamawo Tanko was full of praises for the organisers of the Programme.

“I am happy that the coordinator chose my community, that is Mabushi, to celebrate with the children. As you can see, all the children of different schools are here. And sincerely, I want to tell you that the community is happy and appreciates the organisers for choosing this place,” Tanko remarked.

In her speech, the Mother of the Day, Alhaja Aminat Akerele admonished the children thus: “I pray that Almighty God will keep and sustain them(children) and make them greet leaders of our nation and all around the world. I just want to encourage you children to be of good behaviour; to love God and be respectful to everyone, your parents, your elders and even to your friends and peers”.

Interestingly, Madam Jumai James, a parent and resident of the community, could not hide the joy of seeing her four children, who like other children stole away into the party, dancing and eating. She said: “My four children are here. I am happy. APC has done us good. We are so happy seeing our children dancing and celebrating. This is the first time anyone would be doing a thing like this here”.