Prof. Olagoke Advocates Children Empowerment For Sustainable Development •••As Shafaudeen In Islam Marks 40th Anniversary, Commences Ishrat 2023

Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has said that that empowering young children is the only way to achieve their potentials, saying that this is an essential requisite for sustainable development.

 

Olagoke stated this in his lecture titled; "“Child Rearing And Wellness For Growth And Development” at the opening ceremony of Ishrat 2023 and Kiddies Sports Activities held at Christ Church Primary School, Wakajaye, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday. 

 

The Kiddies Sports Activities is one of the programmes lined up to mark the 40th Anniversary of Shafaudeen In Islam and the Annual International Convention; "Ishrat 2023."

 

Professor Olagoke, who also doubles as Mogaji Agba of Ogun Elu Aare Alasa Dynasty, said that; “it is the primary function of every family to provide and nurture their children."

 

He said, “Adequate and healthy nutrition, safe and secured environment, opportunities for learning, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization and timely care during illness contribute to a child’s healthy growth and a happy childhood experiences that will allow them to develop to their full potentials.”

 

While speaking about the children and development, Prof. Olagoke said; “although the term; growth and development are used interchangeably, they are different biologically. Growth refers to the incremental changes in physical features such as height, weight, size and others, while development is the qualitative changes to growth in a methodological and meaningful manner which results into maturity."

 

“A child must grow with physical and emotion and learn how to communicate, think and socialize. So growth and development are inseparable, they occur simultaneously and influence one another,” Olagoke said.

 

Speaking on child rearing and wellness for growth and development, Olagoke said, ”self-esteem is a person’s central belief about himself or herself, which is reflected in his or her actions, both in how as well as what he or she does."

 

While declaring open Ishrat 2023, Professor Ariyo Olagoke said that the way parents nurture and the way government as well as other stakeholders support children and youths is one of the most critical factors for their healthy growth and development.

 

He however, suggested that a critical guide can be drawn from Maslow Hierarchy of Needs.

 

He also said that appropriate government policies, programmes, services and information that focus on nurturing care are needed to build the enabling environment in which children and youth can thrive.

 

Highlights of the sporting event is the presentation of awards to notable Nigerians and members of Shafaudeen that have done well in their chosen careers and the presentation of prizes to all the participating children.

 

Grand Ameerah House (Purple House) emerged winners of the sporting activities, and clinched the trophy with 124 points, while White House aka Rasool House emerged second with 110 points, Olagoke House (Blue House) emerged third with 102 points, while Shafaudeen House (Green House) came fourth position with 86 points.