Prof. Ariyo 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, disclosed that empowering young children is the only way to achieve their complete developmental potential 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 the Annual International Convention ‘Ishrat 2023.
Prof. Ariyo, who also doubles as Mogaji Agba of Ogun Elu Aare Alasa Dynasty, said, “It is the primary function of every family to provide and nurture the care for every child.
He said, “Adequate and healthy nutrition, a safe and secure environment, opportunities for learning, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, and timely care during illness all contribute to a child’s healthy growth and happy childhood experiences that will allow them to develop to their full potential.”
While speaking about children and development, Prof. Ariyo 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, while development refers to qualitative changes to growth in a methodological and meaningful manner that results in maturity.”
“A child must grow with physical and emotion and learn how to communicate, think and socialise. So growth and development are inseparable. They co-occur and influence one another.” Ariyo said.
Speaking on child-rearing and wellness for growth and development, Prof. Ariyo said, ”Self-esteem is a person’s central belief about himself or herself, which is reflected in his or her actions, both in how and what he or she does.
While declaring open Ishrat 2023, Prof. Ariyo Olagoke said the way parents nurture and the way the government and other stakeholders support children and youths are critical factors for their healthy growth and development.
He however suggested a critical guide which can be drawn from Maslow’s 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 are the presentation of the distinguished award to notable Nigerians and members of Shafaudeen who have done well in their chosen careers and the presentation of the prize to all the participating children.
Grand Ameerah House (Purple House) emerged winners of the sporting activities, clinched the trophy with 124 points, while the White House, the Rasool House emerged in second position with 110 points, Olagoke House (Blue House) emerged in third position with 102 points, Shafaudeen House (Green House) emerged fourth position with 86 points.
