The wife of the Osun State Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, has ‎asked children to endeavour to be close to God Almighty especially at this period of Christmas.

‎Mrs Aregbesola made the appeal on Tuesday at the 2016 end of Year Christmas celebration and fanfare with the children held at the Government House Lawn in Osogbo the Osun State capital.

The first lady, who advised the children to respect their parents and teachers and their leaders, urged them not to join bad gangs, as this would only lead to the path of destruction.

While wishing the thousands of children drawn from across all the local governments in the state a merry Christmas, Mrs Aregbesola said it was expedient for the children to embrace hard work and shun all forms of immoral behaviour to enable them become great men and women to be reckoned with in the future.

“I give all praises and thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of life and for the opportunity to be among our dear children in the state to celebrate the end of another year. How time flies! It is just like yesterday that we were here on this same ground 12 months ago for the 2015 end of the year party.

“Another season is now over after so many activities during the year and I have no doubt that this year was filled with its successes as well as challenges for you as children.

“May I at this point appreciate all parents and guardians for the care of these children. I implore all children in the state to obey lawful instructions of your parents, guardians and teachers if you are to succeed in life.

“I thank the governor of our state for his passion and endless support for holistic development of women and children in the state,” she said‎.

The governor’s wife believes that the O’Meal Programme and the infrastructural development of schools among others have contributed greatly to the wellbeing of children and she prayed that Osun State would continue to grow.

‎ Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who joined in the celebration with the children, said: “We celebrate the season with them. We want them to concentrate on their studies, as we equally urge them to take the advantage of this season for relaxation and enjoyment within limit.

“They must not be excessive in their participation in activities to mark the festive period. They should be good children and keep to the instructions of their parents and guardians.

“We also pray that God will make them good and successful children and in future be great men and women in the society”.