Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, gave the charge while playing host to children who came to his residence to visit Santa Clause (Father Christmas) as part of the activities to mark this year’s Christmas.
The foremost Ibadan traditional ruler urged parents to attend to the needs of their children, describing them as not only the future of their parents, but also the future of the country.
Oba Balogun rejoiced with and prayed for the children in a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
He described them as precious gift from God that deserve every care by the parents without any form of inhibition.
He charged the parents not to fail in their responsibilities simply because of the nation’s economic downturn which he described as “just a phase that would soon become history.”
Olubadan added: “Let us do our best for our children so as to ensure that we don’t destroy the future on the basis of the prevailing circumstances.
“The children are our future and the manner of whatever we do for them would determine what to expect in the future when they grow up.
“As parents, I urge us all to remain focused in giving our children the best, not minding the economic challenges.
“Whatever may be our present challenge as a nation would pass and become history. But whatever we give to our children would determine what they are going to turn out to be.”
The programme had in attendance scores of children and their parents from the neighbourhood of the Alarere residence of the Olubadan.
Coordinator and Palace Chaplain, Pastor Olusoji Adediji, in his short speech before the commencement of the programme, said the exercise was a way of thanking God for the gift of life.
He said the annual programme, which came into existence last year, was in addition to praising God and in the spirit of the season.
Pastor Adediji further said: “It also serves as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the Palace to the community.
“It is a way of spreading joy among the children and we cannot thank Kabiyesi enough for the opportunity and for identifying with the children.”
