HON. ABIOLA MAKINDE CHAMPIONS THE DIVINE RIGHT OF EVERY CHILD TO PLAY

By Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi

As the world celebrates the International Day of Play on June 11, we are reminded about the God-given freedom to express joy, creativity, and community through play.

In Ondo State, Nigeria, that heavenly vision has taken a physical form, through the servant-hearted leadership of Hon. Abiola Makinde, Member of the House of Representatives, (MHR) striving to make joy tangible.

Last December, the Ondo community witnessed the unveiling of the Ondo City Mini Park and Zoo—a sanctuary for laughter, learning, and life.

Reflecting on year 2025 theme, “Choose Play– Every Day,” the MHR recognizes that play is not as a luxury, but a right—a sacred rhythm of childhood ordained by God Himself.

A VISION LIKE DAVID’S?

This park is not merely a playground—it is a temple of togetherness, a space where every child can engage with God’s creation, forge friendships, and build a future.

The park’s mini zoo offers children a chance to connect with nature, learn, and laugh.

Much like David who said, “I will play before the Lord,” Makinde’s vision celebrates the spiritual importance of uninhibited joy.

His investment in play is symbolic and transformational attesting to the fact that- children matters and their joy is sacred.

WHY PLAY IS HOLY WORK?

The Scriptures remind us that children are a heritage of the Lord (Psalm 127:3).

And yet, UNICEF reports that 1 in 5 children between ages 2–4 rarely engage in meaningful play with caregivers—missing out on bonding that nurtures both soul and spirit.

Play has the potential to develop a child's psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.

It teaches children to lead like Joseph, to speak boldly like Esther, to dream like Daniel, as moment of play is where identity is formed, leadership skills and confidence are shaped.

Hon. Abiola Makinde in a moment of play—leading by example.

A LEADER WHO DANCES LIKE DAVID

The park’s unveiling was more than a political milestone—it was a spiritual declaration.

Dancers, musicians, community elders, and children of all tribes came together in celebration. They did not just open a park—they opened a wellspring of life.

A colorful celebration of unity: diverse cultural groups performed at the park’s opening.

And just like Michal misunderstood David’s dancing, some may fail to see the depth of building a playground. But contemporary believers understand: to play, to build, to dance—is to honor God.

Honourable Makinde’s track record of—reviving roads, installing solar-powered school lighting, and fostering safety—shows a heart tuned to both policy and people.But with this park, he has tapped into something even deeper: he has given the next generation the gift of joyful memory.

An attendee, Prophet Opeolua Ayodeji revealed how the park was a worthwhile investment noting that “this is how a society invests in the hearts of its future generation.”

HOW YOU CAN “CHOOSE PLAY – EVERY DAY”

If it is true that all work and no play, makes a child dull, it behoves caregivers, school and church teachers, mothers, pastor and policymaker to be a David in their community as they consider the following on this International Day of Play:

Hosting a church play day or family picnic

Sharing biblical stories through drama and puppetry

Creating safe spaces where children can express themselves freely

Advocating for play-friendly environments in schools and churches

Although, June 11 is the day to mark #InternationalDayofPlay, every day is an opportunity to choose joy, choose life, and choose play.

Don't despise the joy of children, nor the leaders who make room for it, for in every swing pushed, every game played, and every giggle shared, we see heaven on earth, joyfully advancing the Kingdom, one child at a time!