Families in Festac Town came together on Saturday, December 21, 2018, for another edition of the Festac Children’s Funfair, the annual community event known for giving children and their parents a day of free holiday entertainment.
Over 300 children and family members turned out for this year’s edition, filling the venue with amusement rides, games, music and food in a festive atmosphere built around one simple goal: giving children a memorable start to the Christmas holidays.
For convener Linda Ochugbua, the steady return of families each December is the clearest sign the funfair has found its place in the community.
“Every December, we look forward to giving children a day that’s just for them; a chance to play, laugh and be carefree. Seeing familiar faces return year after year tells us this has become part of how Festac families spend the holidays,” she said.
That sense of tradition extended to the event’s sponsors, several of whom have supported the funfair for years. Mr. Ladipo, representing Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), said the company was glad to back an initiative built around giving children something to look forward to each season.
“No child should be left out of the fun or miss out on the gifts that come with this season. That’s part of why we keep showing up for this event year after year,” he said.
Clement, from the Brand Communications team at Soyummy Popcorn, echoed that spirit, describing the brand’s involvement as a way of contributing to the festive experience for children and families in the community.
Tunmise, from Media and Communications at Beloxxi, said the company was equally glad to support an event centred so directly on children and family participation.
The funfair also continued to benefit from the involvement of children’s advocate Uche Okpara, a longtime supporter of the initiative.
Organisers said it was this kind of sustained backing, from sponsors, volunteers and the community itself, that has kept the event free and accessible to families in Festac Town year after year.
“This year’s edition reinforced the funfair’s role as a community-led celebration where children could play, interact and enjoy the holiday season with their families,” Ochugbua added.
