The 10th edition of the Family Meeting series, a community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Entertainment Bus-Stop Ltd, held on Saturday, May 17, at the Gallery Hall of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Lagos brought parents, students and stakeholders together for an engaging discussion on preserving family unity.
Organised under the platform of the United Nations International Day of Families, this year’s event focused on the theme, “Preserve Our Family Unity in Peace, Security and Moral Values.”
The theme served as a springboard for in-depth conversations aimed at reinforcing the importance of family structures as foundational to building progressive societies.
In her welcome address, convener of the project Eki Eboigbe emphasised the need for an environment built on “love, understanding, encouragement, and healthy relationships between parents, caregivers, and their wards.”
She called for the intentional development of soft skills like emotional intelligence, attentive listening and a sympathetic presence to foster humane character in families.
Princess Ivie Uwa-Igbinoba, head of directorate at the NCAC Lagos Zonal Office, who hosted the event, welcomed guests and highlighted the significance of family in societal development.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Entertainment Bus-Stop Ltd on this laudable project that aligns with our mission,” she stated.
Moderated by Onome Odili, the session featured thought-provoking contributions from notable speakers, including Deborah Odutayo, executive director at Royal Roots Communication Network, and Ifeanyichukwu Avajah, former chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Both speakers shared personal insights on responsible parenting and the importance of being actively involved in the growth and well-being of children.
The event also featured contributions from other distinguished guests such as Toki Mabogunje, past president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Prevail Farida, a peace ambassador; Jomion Shogbola, a renowned educationist; Juliet Odesanya, a seasoned banker; and Moji Oshodi-Glover.
They all shared practical, experience-based insights and solutions geared toward strengthening family ties and promoting stability.
As part of the program, children from the Kings & Queens Arts Academy performed a stage play titled Dancing Mosquito, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging proactive efforts towards eradicating malaria in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Summarising the event, master of ceremonies Steph Ogundele reaffirmed the mission of the Family Meeting project.
“This series is dedicated to building and stabilising the family, an essential building block of society. Entertainment Bus-Stop Ltd remains committed to continuing these vital conversations that will yield impactful outcomes for families and communities,” he said.
The event ran from midday to 3:00 p.m. and ended on a note of collective commitment to strengthening the family unit for the betterment of society.
