Children’s Day: Sapele LGA Chairman Bright Afure Hosts Pupils in Grand Celebration.

Children’s Day: Sapele LGA Chairman Bright Afure Hosts Pupils in Grand Celebration

By Peace Aikhuere -Caleb 

In a colourful and festive atmosphere, the Sapele Local Government Council School was the scene of jubilation on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as the Executive Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Afure Abeke, popularly known as Okakuro, hosted a grand celebration in honour of Children's Day. The event, held within the school premises on Crudas Road, brought together students, teachers, parents, dignitaries, and local stakeholders for an unforgettable day.

Hon. Afure, who led a delegation of top council officials and education stakeholders, spared no effort in making the celebration special for the children. In preparation for the event, a live cow was purchased to ensure there was an abundance of food, while soft drinks and snacks flowed freely for all attendees. Children’s favourite cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse, were also present to liven the mood and bring smiles to the faces of the young celebrants.

The celebration kicked off with a formal welcome address by Ms. Ese Reginal Aghworo, Head of the Department of Education for the Sapele Local Government Council. She commended the Chairman for his unwavering support for education and described his visit as a testament to his commitment to the wellbeing of the children in the council's care. She noted that his intervention in areas like subsidized school fees and provision of learning materials had eased the burden on many parents.

"Our students have been excited since they saw the live cow brought in for this celebration. Mr. Chairman, your continued support means the world to us, and we pray that God continues to bless you and your administration," Aghworo said. She also appealed for continued assistance to further uplift the standard of education in the LGA.

Delivering his keynote speech, the Chairman expressed delight at being able to celebrate with the children and lauded the management of the Sapele Council Group of Schools for organizing the event. "Children’s Day is more than just a celebration—it is a recognition of the value, potential, and future our children hold," he said. He promised to keep prioritizing education and child welfare, assuring the pupils that his administration was determined to give them the tools they need to succeed.

Hon. Afure further revealed plans to revive the traditional format of Children’s Day celebrations in the LGA, including a central gathering at the stadium with march-pasts and various fun-filled activities. "We want to bring back the excitement and unity that used to define Children’s Day celebrations in our time," he said. "Next year, we’ll collaborate with the Ministry of Education and stakeholders to make this vision a reality."

The Education Secretary of the Sapele Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Pastor Dave Inoaghan, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the critical role of education in shaping children’s futures. He urged parents, teachers, and stakeholders to invest time and resources in children's growth, warning against leaving them in the hands of caregivers who may not have their best interests at heart.

“Education empowers children to dream big,” Pastor Inoaghan remarked. “As guardians, we must provide an environment filled with love and security to help them reach their full potential.” He encouraged the children to be disciplined, focused, respectful, and enthusiastic in their academic pursuits.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of recreational activities, from music and dancing to interactive games. The presence of animated mascots and live performances kept the children entertained, while the atmosphere buzzed with laughter, joy, and celebration.

As the program concluded, parents and teachers praised the chairman for organizing what many described as one of the most well-coordinated and generous Children’s Day events in the area in recent years. “This shows what true leadership looks like,” one parent said. “The Chairman has set a standard.”

With a renewed commitment to education and child welfare, Sapele LGA's 2025 Children’s Day celebration served not just as a festive occasion but as a clarion call for sustained action towards nurturing the future of the local community—its children.