Entertainment, A Veritable Tool For Socio-economic Growth” – Lily Wonder
By: Emma Ogoigbe, Warri.
An up-coming artiste and Musician, Iveose Oghale Ifoma popularly known as Lily Wonder said, entertainment, especially the one from musical world is a veritable tool for socio-economic growth and development in a given nation.
Lily Wonder stated this while showcasing her music talent in celebration and appreciation of fathers in commemoration of Father’s Day celebration. She said, apart from the moral messages which music teaches, an agent of laundering positively the image of the country both locally and internationally, it is a means of creating wealth for individuals, state, the nation at large.
Lily Wonder who said she started her music career at the age of two where she released her first album and launched same later- between the ages of nine and ten years, said, she has to stage this concert in Fathers’ Day in appreciation of the roles fathers play in the upbringing of the children.
According to her, despite the enormous roles fathers play in the life of Children, they are neglected by the society at large.
Her words:” l have to stage this Concert and tag it “Father’ Day Special” because, l feel that fathers are neglected in many aspects. So, l want to join others in creating awareness that fathers are very important to our lives, they are very special and l am happy that many people are celebrating Fathers today”.
According her, she decided to pitch her tent in music in order to contribute in her little way, through music, to the growth and development of society just as she said, she wants to create awareness to the upcoming artistes: musicians, actors, actresses, especially among the youths that they should showcase whatever talent they have for the growth and development of the country, Nigeria.
Her words: Youths should be able to showcase their talents to the world, they should not hide them, they need not shy because talents are not to be hidden”.
Lily Wonder who said, soon, she would hit the air waves with more music albums said, she was ready to partner with state government to reach wider audience and therefore needs the assistance of individuals, corporate organizations especially the state government led by Governor Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori financially as she can not do alone due to the financial involvement.
Her words:” Well, l am trying my best but l can’t do it alone, because l want to reach wider audience, more people, so, l really need government’s financial assistance and l am ready to partner with the government”.
Lily Wonder expressed gratitude to many of those who have been of immense support for her music career. She specifically thanked Mr Kingsley Esiso, Elozoma Kids, Dance Reabel, DJ Liy among others. She also thanked parents and others too numerous to mention for gracing the occasion.
Earlier his address, the father of the day, Prof. Jonathan Emanuwa who titled his address as:” The Role of Parents in Upbringing of Children” said, parents should bring up their children by giving support and guidance adding that, they should do that at the right time- when the children are growing up(tender).
According to him, if parents neglect their mentorship role, outsiders would mentor their children in their ways- which may not be to the favour of the parents.
His words: Our responsibility as parents is to mentor, guide and support our children.The age of the child matters a lot. You as a father, you should be able contribute to the development of your children.”
Prof.Emanuwa emphasized the need for parents to teach their children their dialect(language), especially the Urhobo. According to him, despite the fact that he left the shores of Nigeria and lectured abroad with English for 32 years, he never relentented in the speaking of Urhobo language. He said today, he is constant battle to ensure his children speak Urhobo language. He said since the white man will never speak Urhobo language but English to their children, parents here should be able to speak Urhobo language to their children.
Prof Emanuwa berated parents who can not speak their language for their children and urged them to turn a new leaf in this regard.
The highlight of the programme was entertainment of the audience with songs from Lily Wonder based on “Father”, and Alozone Kids, Dance Reabel, DJ Liy, and others who thrilled the audience with performing dance.
