Founder of the WINGS Foundation, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, has reached out to families affected by the 2024 children’s funfair tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, marking one year since the heartbreaking incident.
On Tuesday, the prophetess, alongside members of her WINGS Foundation—an organisation dedicated to the welfare of women and children—paid a condolence visit to the bereaved families.
In a video sighted on Saturday, Silekunola explained that the visit was aimed at sympathising with the families and presenting support materials in remembrance of the children who lost their lives during the incident.
She stated that despite the painful experience, the tragedy had not shaken her resolve to continue what she described as her divine assignment. According to her, this year’s annual children’s funfair was deliberately restructured to serve as a moment of honour and reflection for the departed children, rather than a regular celebration.
Expressing deep sorrow, she offered prayers and words of encouragement to the grieving families. Materials were also distributed, and special prayers were said during the visit.
Speaking during the outreach, Silekunola said, “Sometimes God does things, and we are happy; other times, we are not, and we begin to question whether it is God who has done it. I did not come to make you sad. I pray that this time next year, you will not remember anything of sadness. You will witness joy, and this unfortunate incident will no longer define your lives.”
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One of the parents who addressed the gathering said the families had gradually accepted the painful reality of the incident. He said, “God is greater than man, and there is nothing He cannot do. We did not come here for anything, but when someone is honoured, the honour should be reciprocated.”
It will be recalled that in 2024, a stampede occurred during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, resulting in the death of several children, while others sustained injuries. The event was organised by Silekunola in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat. The Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdullahi Fasasi, was also linked to the matter.
In January 2025, the Oyo State Government instituted an 18-count criminal charge against the trio. They were initially remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre in December 2024 before being granted bail in January 2025. The case was eventually struck out in March 2025.