Segun Aina Foundation Marks 30 Years Of Child Empowerment With Annual Funfair In Otan Ayegbaju

By Hamidat Olatunde, Osogbo

A non governmental organisation, Segun Aina Foundation has marked 30 years of sustained commitment to child empowerment with the 30th edition of its Annual Children Funfair held in Otan Ayegbaju, headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, bringing together hundreds of schoolchildren for activities aimed at promoting education, resilience and social development.

The event, held on Saturday, December 20, combined recreation with learning, using creative educational activities to inspire academic excellence among children in Otan Ayegbaju and neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of the Foundation, Iyanuoluwa Ogundipe, said the annual funfair was designed as a deliberate intervention to motivate pupils academically while creating an inclusive and joyful learning environment.

Ogundipe noted that the programme, which has been sustained for three decades, goes beyond entertainment by incorporating learning activities presented in engaging formats to help build confidence, brilliance and resilience among participants.

“This programme is our way of giving back to the community. Segun Aina Foundation started from Otan Ayegbaju, and this town remains our source. Every year, we return to celebrate the children and encourage them to take their education seriously,” she said.

She explained that beneficiaries are selected through a merit-and-need-based process, with outstanding pupils from participating schools recognised, while indigent students are also supported through the initiative.

According to her, participation in the funfair serves both as motivation and reward for pupils who demonstrate commitment to their studies.

Representing the Osun State Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, the Director of Child Development, Mr Adebowale Sulaiman Rufai, commended the foundation for its consistency and contribution to child development in the community.

Rufai conveyed the appreciation of the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Elizabeth Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo, and the Permanent Secretary, Babatunde Abimbola, describing the initiative as a model of effective public-private partnership.

“Programmes like this are essential, especially during festive seasons when children look forward to moments of joy and togetherness. The government cannot do it alone; collaboration with philanthropists such as the Segun Aina Foundation is critical to achieving sustainable child development,” he said.

He further described the foundation as a partner in progress and expressed hope for its continued growth and expansion to reach more beneficiaries.

Also speaking, Pastor I. O. Ogunjobi expressed appreciation for the foundation’s sustained humanitarian interventions, urging community members to continue supporting and praying for its leadership.

The event featured a variety of fun and educational activities aimed at fostering creativity, interaction and learning among the children, while promoting unity and a sense of belonging within the community.

The Annual Children Funfair remains one of the flagship programmes of the Segun Aina Foundation, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to child welfare, education and sustainable community development in Osun State.