CEF Celebrates Children Day for Six Primary Schools in Underserved Community

Dike Onwuamaeze

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and development of children in underserved communities by holding a colourful Children’s Day celebration for six primary schools at the premises of Papa Ajao Primary School, Mushin, Lagos State.

The CEF, which is the corporate social responsibility arm of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, used the event to bring together pupils and teachers from six participating 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 that were designed to create memorable experiences for the children while reinforcing the importance of inclusion, safety and access to quality opportunities for every child.
In her keynote address, the Executive Director of CEF, Mrs. Helen Egbe, said that the foundation is committed to ensuring that children from underserved communities are not forgotten or excluded from opportunities that could shape their future.

Egbe said: “This year’s theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ speaks directly to the heart of our Foundation’s work.
“At CEF, 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 said that the foundation’s intervention in schools and communities is driven by a passion to ensure that children in underserved communities are seen, heard, loved and recognized for their potential.
She expressed appreciation to the Foundation’s parent company, Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited (CNC) and its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Gbenga Akinyosoye, for their continued support towards programmes aimed at transforming lives and empowering communities.

In a goodwill message delivered to the pupils and teachers of these primary schools, Akinyoseye reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Mushin community and the vision of the foundation in promoting social impact and human development.

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

The celebration also featured a road safety enlightenment session 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, who educated pupils on the importance of safe road practices and responsible behaviour while commuting with parents and guardians.

Assistant Corps Commander, ACC. Olaniran S. Kolapo, urged the children to become ambassadors of road safety in their homes and communities.

He said: “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.”

The Cakasa Road Safety Unit distributed safety jackets donated by the CEF to participating pupils as part of efforts to encourage road safety consciousness among children at an early age.

Also speaking at the event, the Head Teacher of New City Primary School, Mr. Adeyemi Felix-Olabode, commended the foundation for its consistency and commitment to supporting education and child development within the Mushin community.

Felix-Olabode noted that the foundation’s annual initiatives have had a positive impact on school attendance and pupil morale.
He said: “Initiatives from CEF 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 the pupils.”