Hers is a story of how weeping may endure for the night as tremendous joy follows in the morning.
Her name is Precious Inioluwa Olabanjo. She is an SS2 student of Model Secondary School, Alabaka, Akura, Ondo State. She came to Eko NAFEST to represent her school and state in the essay competition, themed “Culture and Peaceful Coexistence” but ended up crying! But her cries did not go unnoticed.
Discovered by the eagle eye of Vanguard’s Arts and Culture editor, Osa Amadi, little Precious finally sobbed her way to national recognition and reception.
Amadi had pulled out a stunning human interest story out of her case, which caught the attention of the indefatigable and humane Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe.
This is the story!
Precious is one if the delegates of the ongoing Eko NAFEST 2022 where she was supposed to participate in essay writing competition. She was determined to contribute to how Nigerian culture will drive unity and love for one another, but that was not to be; the rule of participation says one participant for each state. She was caught off guard because someone else was already selected to represent her state. She consequently gave in to emotions and broke down in tears. She was inconsolable.
The pain of being left out the competition tore her young heart apart, and caught the which also caught the attention of the ebullient DG, who must have also cried from the inside like a father. But rules are rules, and cannot be broken r changed to favour anyone, especially not by the one who was part of making the rules as chief driver of NAFEST and as a journalist. But there was another way to make amends.
As a caring father, Runsewe took Precious case to Mama NAFEST, Mrs ibijoke Sanwo-0lu, who played host to children from the 36 states of the Federation and FCT.
Narrating Precious’ story, which touched the heart of everyone present, including the first lady of lagos state, Otunba Segun Runsewe revealed his deep love for Nigerian children whom he believe must be encouraged and supported to be ambassadors of Nigerian Cultural tomorrow.
Mrs Sanwo-0lu was gracious to little precious and indeed to all the children present whom she gifted not only ice cream and the best of Nigerian cuisine, she gave each of them computer lap tops and other academic materials to help them to surf the world of information.
Precious Inioluwa Olabanjo had the singular honour of giving the vote of thanks, drawing tears of joy from many eyes.
“Mummy, I must thank you for the honour done to me and other children here today. Mummy, you restored my hope and I also wish to thank our daddy, Otunba Segun Runsewe and all those who made it possible for me and others to be here. Thank you mummy, I love you!” She said.
No doubt, little precious’ case may remind us that Weeping over our individual and national issues may ” Endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30 v5. This is one of best narratives of how Nigerian children love our culture, history and tradition.
What could have been a nightmare for little Precious turned around to become a dream come true.