As part of its commitment to touching lives of underprivileged children in public primary schools in Lagos, Firstline Group recently hosted Children Christmas Party at Opebi Primary School, Allen Avenue in Lagos.
Adetola Okanlawon, Managing Director of Firstline, stated that the festival is a pro-poor, pro-children initiative, saying, Firstline chose children of the public primary schools because they are usually the ones born without a silver spoon.
He said, “We chose children of public schools because they are mostly the ones, not born with the Silver Spoon. Therefore, the party is a pro-poor, pro-children initiative. We envision positive memories among the children in the midst of not-too-impressive happenings in the society and we tilted to the path of fun because children like fun.”
Okanlown emphasised that the feast is not a publicity stunt as the company has done so many things for the underprivileged unnoticed including the monthly initiative called, FeedTheFutureToday, which particularly identifies with these kids every month to feed their minds with lessons of values needed for the future and positive mindset whilst also celebrating the birthday of the children of the month.
“Lagos Children Christmas Party is not a child of circumstance neither is it for some form of recognition. The festival is one of our own humble ways of giving back,” he noted.
Akeem Ayanlowo, chief operator officer, Firstline, said the Lagos Children Christmas Party, has the objective of inculcating in Nigerians the spirit of giving and helping the poor to come alive, especially during the Yuletide. “We have many partners who have achieved this success with us together and we appreciate them in no small measure. We encourage individuals and organisations to always come out and stand for the less privileged. ”
The party is an annual children’s party meant to create emotional connectedness between Firstline and the Nigerian child who is not so privileged. Every year, the festival gets the kids together and distributes free food, gift items, and goodie bags. Other fun frills are competitions and games.
Olubunmi Ogun, a partner of Firstline CSR initiatives said, if well meaning Nigerians should take giving seriously, politicians will not come, campaigning with what should actually be part of our everyday life.
Adeyemi Egbeoluwa, another partner of the initiative supported, Lagos Children Christmas party is targeted at creating positive thinking, attitude and giving culture among Nigerians, saying, it is a veritable way “to feed the common child in the street who has got little or nothing to eat.”
