The Onikan Youth Center, Onikan, Lagos Island, welcomed a large turnout of participants who were present at the International Day of Families, held on Saturday, 15th May, 2021.
The 6th edition of the Programme was themed; Confronting Family Poverty and Security Concerns – Families Responsibilities and Challenges, was initiated and organized by a Film/TV Producer, Project Manager, and Culture Advocate, Eki Eboigbe. “The International Day of Families is Entertainment Bus-Stop Community engagement Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, as we strongly believe that Families unite when they do meaningful things together”, Ms Eki said.
Ms Eki further claimed that this idea was inspired by the declaration made by the United Nations at the General Assembly of 1993. The Family unit is the bedrock for sustainable development, it is essential for every society to create a supportive environment where family members realize their potential to contribute to achieving world peace. While the goal is to engage the Family unit as an advocate in having continuous conversations, we hope it will proffer sustainable solutions to issues germane to the sanctity of the Family well being. In particular, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the economic, social, and psychological well being and standard of living of citizens, the duration of isolation resulted in Family experiencing and exposed to extreme poverty, frustration and depression. This year, the family of a popular Actor and Culture Activist, Edmond Enaibe, was shortlisted and found worthy and exemplary enough, as a guest family for the event.
The convener joined the rest of the world to mark the annual commemoration of the International Day of Families, and she engaged families on Lagos Island in participatory conversations with the following Speakers; Dr Monisola Adanijo, Kate Ijeoma Ibeanusi, Mrs Rita Ezenwa-Okoro, and Mr Ehi Omokhuale on different sub-topics, such as; Healthy Lifestyle – Changing the COVID-19 Vaccine Narratives and Basic Knowledge on Immune System, Promoting Outdoor Recreation Culture, Talkshop on Teenagehood – Inculcating Ownership and Responsibility, and Talkshop on Family-Oriented Policies and Good Governance, the event was moderated by Dr Shaibu Husseini.
Also in attendance was the co-founder of Lagos Island Connect, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti and some of its youth managers. The event was supported by Lagos Island Connect, One 18, LEARN/ELLA CARES NGO, Olu Ajayi Studios & Co., Sovereign Trust Insurance PLC, Tetmosol, and many more.