By: Okosun Dennis
It was a celebration galore laced with powerful dancing steps, singing and gyration as children of Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island were hosted by the Commanding Officer of 65 Battalion, Lt Col Mohammed Lawal to a Sallah party at the Parade Ground on Saturday.
The over 1000 children, had an exciting moment that lasted over four hours, as they were treated to sumptuous meal, enough cake to savour and quality time hopping in the Hoop Spot, Onpoint and bouncing castle.
The elated children expressed satisfaction with the organizers of party and crave for more of such get-together for the children of the Cantonment during subsequent celebrations.
Speaking with our correspondent, Miss Alima Lukman, an 11 years old girl, who attends Bonny Camp Primary School, thanked the Commanding Officer for his generosity to host them.
“This is very great and kind of the CO and I am grateful for his fatherly care and all the officers of the battalion who contributed for making it a worthwhile for us.”
To Abdulsalami Abdulwahid, an Airforce Primary School pupil, the get-together ignites the spirit of partying as one family, especially as children living in the same military facility.
Abdulsalami, who wants to become either a pilot or a politician, expressed joy for the opportunity to be part of the celebration and for winning a prize in one of the games.
While asking for God’s mercy and abundance of grace upon the Commanding Officer and those that put resources together to host the children, bestowed “God’s continuous blessings on them and their the families.
“They will not lack and God will continue to replenish their purse. To my fellow children, I feel great seeing all of them around celebrating in one accord,” he added.
The Magajia of the Cantonment, Mrs Hassanat Ali Fabong couldn’t hide her joy and estacy seeing the children gyrating and relishing in the mood of the season.
“I am overwhelmed with joy. You can see how joyous the children are; feeling good and satisfied. We thank the CO, God will continue to bless him, the Cantonment and all the soldiers.
In her message to the children, she admonished them to shun bad behaviours and emulate good virtues that would put them in good stead at all times. They should make positive impact to their generation because we are looking up to them for our tomorrow. They should face their studies and run away from bad gangs,” the Magajia reiterated.
The Commanding Officer, Lt Col Mohammed Lawal, who was represented by his second in Command, Major Boniface Ateghoto welcomed the children to the parade ground for the party and wished them peaceful and blissful celebration.
Highpoint of the Eid Al FITR party was the cutting of the cake by the children assistant by the representative of the Commanding officer, the Adjutant of 65 Battalion, Captain Chimezie Igbozulike, the Commanding Officer, 65 Medical Reception Centre (MRS), Captain Precious Ukpedor and other principal staff officers, magajias and children.
There were also dancing competition, games and other side attractions that kept the children spillbound, making the day an unforgettable experience to treasure.
