By Babatunde Michael.
In preparation for the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisade Afuye, has received the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State Father Christmas at her office in Ado Ekiti, praying that all Ekiti citizens shall celebrate the incoming festivities in peace and self-sufficiency.
The reception by the Ekiti State’s number two citizen, marked the beginning of the Annual BSES Father Christmas Show being organised by the broadcasting outfit to make the festivities pleasurable and memorable for Ekiti children.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said this while playing host to the BSES Father Christmas at her office, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Mrs Afuye, flanked by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, praised the station for initiating the programme to celebrate Ekiti children at Yuletide.
During the visit, Mrs Afuye presented a cash gift to the station on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in reciprocation of the gift earlier presented by the Santa Claus, exhibiting his love for the government of Ekiti State.
The Deputy Governor, who wished the people of Ekiti State a merry Christmas in advance, assured that every machinery will be put in place by Oyebanji’s government to ensure adequate security of lives and property during the festivities.
The Deputy Governor, said: “You all know that Christmas used to happen once in a year and we know the role it plays in the lives of our children.
“Father Christmas Show presents a veritable platform for entertainment and education during this period and we consider it worthwhile and significant in all respect, especially in the lives of our children.
“This is the most festive mood to every citizen and mooting this kind of a programme has become a way of creating emotional balance for our children and make them have the best recreation.
“On behalf of the Governor, Hon Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, I wish all the good people of our dear state merry Christmas in advance.
“We also wish the Father Christmas a happy stay in Ekiti. We assure you of our utmost regards and support as you continue to interface and celebrate our children”.
Earlier, the General Manager, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Mr. Olu Popoola, who led the entourage, described the programme as an annual event and that the office of the Deputy Governor had always been the first port of call.
Popoola said the visit marked the official flagging off of the BSES Father Christmas Show for all the children in Ekiti State and beyond.
The GM said; “This event is what we do every year for the good people of Ekiti State. When it comes, the first port of call has always been the office of the Deputy Governor as a mark of respect for your office and the State Government.
“This is part of the ways to ensure that the children enjoy the yuletide season and create a strong platform for recreation and education”.
