Amobode’s Wife Makes  Case for Less Privileged

Wife of Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has harped on the need for Nigerians to show care, love and share goodwill with special children beyond the yuletide season even as he disclosed that the Lagos State Government was committed to providing facilities for children, especially special children due to their peculiarities.

Mrs. Ambode stated this in her remarks as special guest of honour at the 16th edition of the annual Development Africa organised Christmas Party hosted for special children drawn from different orphanages and care homes in Lagos state. 

In her address at the event, Mrs. Ambode, who was represented by Mrs. Jumoke Bank-Olemoh, noted that the essence of the yuletide was “to show care, share love and put smiles on people’s faces, especially the less privileged ones. This is exactly what we’re doing here for these children. 

“The administration of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State, is committed to providing for all our children, in particular our special children. “A lesson for us all to learn is that for as long as we live, we must continually glorify God for his infinite mercies upon us and our loved ones. If not for God, what would our story be? 

“I therefore commend Development Africa (DA), especially Mr. Joshua Kempeneer, Country Director, and his staff, for ensuring the success of this annual event over the years, God will always strengthen you” she stated. 

The party was organised by an international non-Governmental Organisation and sponsored by KPMG professional services limited, Dredging International Services among other corporate sponsors.

In his remarks, Chief Operating Officer of KPMG professional service, Mr. Victor Onyekpa, stated that the objective of the Christmas Party for the special children aligned with one of the core mission of the company which was to impact our immediate environment with the little that we have adding that if many of us give the little that we can afford it will make a difference.

“KPMG is proud to partner with Development Africa to host this Christmas Party over the years. The objective of the party aligns with how we feel about making a difference. We believe that people don’t have to wait until they have enough before they give someone else; the truth is no one ever has enough. Let us give a little that we have and by so doing we will make a big difference”, he stated.

Speaking with our correspondent, Country Director of DA, Mr. Joshua Kempeneer explained that the party was in line with the spirit of Christmas which is about giving and showing love, especially to the less privileged members of the society.

 He stated that one of the four key areas of interventions that Development Africa focus on is support for less privileged children and orphanages because many of them lack social activities, parental care and are deprived of opportunities that the party offers.

 “We realised that most of the children lack social opportunities. The primary activity in their lives is schooling; there are no parents to take them out during the weekends. This in turn affects their sense of dignity, self-confidence and their ability to compete with their equals, these were some of the reasons why we initiated the idea 16 years ago and each year it gets better and more exciting for the children.

“As you can see, the children are happy and having fun; they look forward to this event the whole year.” He stated. We serve them Breakfast, Lunch, drinks, cakes, ice-cream and snacks and provide them with games like bouncy castle, train rides, musical entertainment so that they can have fun and enjoy themselves. Father Christmas is also present, together with the First Lady of Lagos State to interact with and give each of the children a hamper. Kempeneer added that DA is grateful for partners in the private sector such as KPMG Professional Services, and Dredging International Services Nig. Ltd. and many others and who have funded and supported the project

 He also commended the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Patience Ambode, State for her continued support of the project by rallying all the homes and orphanages in the state to attend the party.

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