The Palace of the Ooni of Ife came alive with colour, laughter and festive warmth as His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, alongside Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, hosted a Royal Christmas Children’s Celebration under the banner of the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI).
The Christmas outreach, held within the historic palace grounds, attracted a broad cross-section of the community, including traditional rulers, community leaders, schoolchildren, children from orphanage homes, parents and guardians, all brought together in a shared atmosphere of joy, inclusion and generosity.
The event forms part of the Ooni of Ife’s enduring humanitarian vision through HAI, a platform dedicated to uplifting vulnerable groups, empowering children and strengthening social cohesion across communities.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, who serves as Deputy Convener of the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa, described the gathering as a reflection of the Palace’s commitment to compassion and service, particularly during the Christmas season.
“Christmas is a season of love, giving and hope, and this celebration is our way of ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and cared for,” the Olori said.
“Under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, HAI continues to serve as a bridge of hope — reaching children, families and communities who need encouragement and support.”
She praised the Ooni of Ife’s personal dedication to humanitarian causes, noting that his vision has continued to transform the Palace into a centre not only of culture and tradition, but also of impact-driven leadership.
“Kabiyesi’s heart for humanity inspires everything we do through HAI. This children’s celebration is not just about gifts; it is about restoring dignity, spreading joy and reminding our children that they matter,” she added.
Highlights of the event included the grand entrance of Father Christmas, cultural performances, interactive activities, and the distribution of gifts, school supplies, food items and cash support to children, orphanage homes and surrounding communities.
The sight of smiling children clutching gift packs and learning materials underscored the broader objective of the programme — combining festive cheer with practical support to aid education and wellbeing.
Community leaders and parents in attendance commended the royal couple for sustaining initiatives that directly touch lives, especially at a time when many families face economic challenges.
The Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa, convened by the Ooni of Ife and supported by his consort, continues to roll out programmes focused on child welfare, education, women empowerment, health advocacy and community development.
By hosting the Royal Christmas Children’s Celebration at the Palace, the initiative reaffirmed its philosophy that leadership must translate into service, and that tradition can coexist with progressive humanitarian action.
As the festivities drew to a close, the Palace echoed with music, laughter and renewed hope — a fitting reminder that in Ile-Ife, the Source of Yoruba civilisation, royalty does not only reign; it reaches out.
