HOPE TO THRIVE AGAIN: EVENT REPORT

Child Care Unit, Poly Road, Adebayo, Ibadan.

6^th Feb, 2016

 

Total Attendance: 150+ (110 Children and staff, 40+ well-wishers)

As reported by Tunde Badmus

 

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give”

-Winston Churchill

 

“The most devastating thing you can ever do to yourself is to give up; because help is on the way”

-Tunde Akinola

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Nothing excites me and gives me a sense of fulfillment like meeting someone’s need which is why I felt my last birthday celebration would be a perfect time to touch the lives of wonderful kids at the Child Care Unit (orphanage), Ibadan. My birthday mate (Adeola Adedeji) and I agreed to actualize this dream, and Feb 6 became a turning point in the lives of over 110 children.

 

The outreach was tagged ‘Hope to thrive again’ because it’s aim is to reawaken souls that feel they are neglected, rejected and written off by their parents, family, nation and perhaps you, yes, you, simply because of what their fate became and because the world stopped caring.

 

The occasion featured a great speech by a young superstar Ogunbowale Olugbenga and powerful prayers from Pastor Opeyemi Oyeyemi. Gift items including noodles, diapers, disinfectants, raw food, beverages, Clothes and Shoes donated while the children were served a delicious lunch!

 

 

9:45A.M. ARRIVAL:

The children were uniformly dressed and in high spirits ahead of the occassion. The decoration crew put finishing touches to the look of the hall. Dignitaries and well-wishers from all walks of life arrived and exchanged pleasantries and pictures.

 

 

EVENT:

MC Joshua invited the pastor to give a short opening prayer and two of the children led us in a thrilling worship session. A few folks shared on what they knew about the 2 birthday celebrants. Deola was described as a very nice lady reputable for being straight forward with others. Tunde was characterized as a man of honour, who is a role model for the younger ones with peers alike!

 

The guest speaker, Ogunbowale Olugbenga wasted no time in delivering a sensational speech. Not only did He entertain the children by teaching them two kinds of clap (Milo and Locomotive), He cited examples of Ayefele and Cobhams, both physically challenged but yet successful in music. He didn’t forget to share the story of an orphan, Steve Jobs who made Apple what it is today. He inspired the children and held them spell-bound as they soaked in the words and their eyes lit with hope. Even the well-wishers were motivated. He rounded up the speech with his personal testimonies especially that of his written exams in Secondary school. In his SS2, He wrote GCE and had 7 credits, 1 distinction. He was dissatisfied with the result and started reading for about 6 hours per day in readiness for WAEC. Less than 1 year later, He had 7 distinctions and 1 credit, a reverse and drastic improvement in his result. He never gave up on himself. He believed he could thrive better, He put in the effort and achieved gargantuan success.

 

The pastor later prayed for the celebrants and children, affirming the project as a fulfilment of one of God’s plan for Tunde personally. The children’s cultural dance troupe treated the audience to exceptionally captivating dance steps. The two celebrants also joined them and a huge applause from the crowd followed.

 

The presentation of gift items was done shortly together with paparazzi. The officer-in-charge of the orphanage was ably represented by Mrs. Alasoadura who was mesmerized and elated all through the event. I seized the opportunity of the vote of thanks to appreciate the people who generously donated to make the outreach a success.

 

 

CONCLUSION:

Once again, I say a big shout out to all those who gave their resources towards the actualization of HOPE TO THRIVE AGAIN. Many thanks to Mr Toyin Adisa (Gaji), Mrs. J. O. Akinola, Engr. Adetokunbo, Mr Adegbola, Agboola Caroline, Joshua Olatunji, and every other donor both far and near. You have helped put a smile on a child’s face and you just blessed the lives of over 110 children. Your gifts have left an indelible mark in the lives of these children and your kindness will never be forgotten.

I also want to celebrate the entire crew; your sacrifice of time, energy and money is deeply appreciated, God bless you richly.

To you reading this report, I urge you to consider celebrating your birthday in a different way this year. Find those desperate in need and put a smile on their face, show someone that you care, because, in the end, our lives are measured by its donation and not its duration.

 

 

 

HOPE TO THRIVE AGAIN:

Developing the nation and impacting lives!

 

 

 

CREW

Decoration

Elizabeth Akinbola

 

Master of Ceremony

Joshua Olatunji

 

Key note Speaker

Gbenga Ogunbowale

 

Spiritual Impact

Pastor Oyeyemi Opeyemi

 

Logistics

Timileyin Morakinyo

 

Cake

Myrrhcy Cakes

 

Photography

Evidence Pictures

 

Kitchen

Mrs Sade Aderonmu

Anu Babawale

Bose Oluseyi

Joshua Olatunji

 

Celebrants

Akinola Babatunde

Adeola Adedeji

 

Chief Host /Event Director

Akinola Babatunde