Make them Merry at Eleru was held on Thursday 18th of December, 2025. The volunteers converged at the University of Ibadan main gate to board a bus provided by the coordinator to take everyone to the venue. The journey began at 10am with a prayer led by a volunteer. We travelled through Bodija, which led us to Iwo Road, and through other areas such as Montana and Olodo, before we finally reached the route to Eleru Community.
Upon arriving at Eleru, the children from Eleru village were already gathered to receive us and the good news of Christ we brought to them. We offloaded the gift items that were brought for the children. These items include Bibles, yoghurt, rice, macaroni, biscuits, and packed gift items.
Of the 12 volunteers, five were assigned to Eleru village, and the rest to Ejioku Akinsawe. My co-volunteers at Eleru were Mrs Omilani, brother Daniel, sister Adeola, brother Williams and I, Abidemi. We all worked together to ensure that the program was a success. Sister Adeola addressed the children and explained why we were there: to Make Them Merry through the Gospel of Christ and the sharing of gifts.
First, the children already on the ground were registered and issued a ticket as proof of attendance. Their names, ages, addresses, religions, churches, and classes were entered into the records. Other children were also registered upon joining the program. After registration, each child was given yoghurt. After this, the program began with an opening prayer by Brother Williams, followed by praise and worship led by Sister Adeola. Before the children listened to the sermons, they were taught a song in the Yoruba language which says:
_Abiye ni mi abiye loruko mi_
_Emi ni Jesu pe labiye ewa ba mi jo_
_Emi ni Jesu pe labiye ewa ba mi yo_
The children were taught the song, and a few were selected to sing it. In turn, yoghurt was given to appreciate their effort.
Following this, the children listened to the sermons. An audio recording made by Dr Nathaniel Omilani titled “Eniti a koju si seloore” used the text from Luke 1:28. The sermon emphasises that the children are the favoured ones. God has chosen them to favour them through the Make them Merry outreach.
The children in Eleru village participated in various games, including a dance competition, a Bible quiz, a cup-balloon carrying game, and a tennis-egg game. These games were exciting moments for the children and the onlookers. Children from different age groups participated in the activities, and outstanding children were given gifts such as a Bible, uncooked rice, macaroni, biscuits, and yoghurt.
Towards the end of the program, the children used the ticket issued to receive their gifts. Each registered child received a package. Afterwards, Mrs Omilani led a prayer session for the children and a prayer to conclude the Make Them Merry 2025 outreach at Eleru. In the end, the children returned to their respective homes, knowing they were the favoured ones.
The volunteers also gathered and thanked God for the success of the outreach at Eleru. We were refreshed and returned to our meeting point, the University of Ibadan, with a merry heart, praising and thankful to God for the success of the journey and for protection and safety to and from Eleru village.
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