I n line with its annual, mission-driven initiative to reach vulnerable children in the Ilishan community, the University Pioneer Church Chil-dren’s Ministries hosted the 2021 edition of Operation Smile, November 20. The programme featured drama, music and quiz. It also provided warm meals. Students of the Ilishan High school were among over 90 children besides adults in attendance. For the first time, the department drove the event tagged, Let Your Light Shine in collaboration with five other volunteer partners besides do-nor support. Among these were the University’s Division of Spiritual Life, Grace for Impact International NGO, the School of Nursing Sciences and medical volunteers from the Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Dr. Ugochi Aham-Onyebuchi of Ophthalmology carried out the eye screening whilst Dr. Titus Oyedele and Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ogunbileje of the Dental department took charge of the dental check. “Operation Smile is our way of putting smiles on the faces of children within our host community, said Programme Coordinator, Ms. Josephine Akarue. “We believe every child deserves clothing, warm meals and gifts.” Akarue who works as BU Deputy Director of Communication, said the organizing team was particularly excited because the support not only provided funding, but turned several children’s dreams to reality. “With this support, 10 of the 18 children with vision defects will benefit from the free eye glasses. Others will get theirs with expected additional funding,” she said. “Over 34 children and adults got dental check and referrals.” The Nursing student volunteers promoted health awareness through talk on Drug & Sub-stance Abuse and Prevention of Child Molestation. 

Beyond health, the programme was also Christ-centered. The Division of Sprititual Life presented 80 copies of the Holy Bible as gifts. In his message, Light Your Light Shine, Pastor Gift Gbenedio encouraged the children to shun evil and focus on God. “Let the Bible, not television, be your guide,” he said. “The programme is built on a great initiative and certainly worth our time,” said Ololade Ige, one of the student volunteers. “Overall it was a great programme and we will fully part of next year’s planning,” added Dr. Oyedele. The Pioneer Church Pastor, Opeyemi Oladosu offered prayers for the children before the close of the event. which marked the 4th edition of the outreach.