Olagoke Advocates Children Empowerment As Requisite For Sustainable Development

•••As Shafaudeen In Islam Marks 40th Anniversary, Commences Ishrat 2023

Bode Akinbode, Ibadan

The founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has called for children empowerment as a way to sustainable development.

Prof. Olagoke 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 on Saturday stressed that empowering Young children to achieve their complete developmental potential is a human right and an essential requisite for sustainable development.

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

Prof. Olagoke who also doubles as Mogaji Agba of Aare Alasa Dynasty in his words said, “it is the primary function of every family to provide and nurture the care for every children.

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

While speaking about the children and development, Prof. Olagoke said, “although the terms 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, development is refers to qualitative changes to growth in a methodological and meaningful manner which results in 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 the child rearing and wellness for growth and development, Prof. 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, Prof. Olagoke said 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 for a critical guide which can be drawn from Maslow Hierarchy of Needs.

He also called for 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 distinguish award to notable Nigerians and members of Shafaudeen that has done so well in their chosen careers and the presentation of prize to all the participating children.

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