By Tony Adibe
As the world celebrated this year’s Childrens’ Day, an Abuja-based Non-governmental Organization (NGO), the Queen Precious Nwodo Foundation (QPNF) has celebrated over 300 indigent children with huge fun, including singing and dancing, spelling bee, sack race, egg race competitions, among others.
NewsBits reports that the fun-filled, thrilling event was the maiden edition – the first of its kind in the neighborhood of SS Simon and Jude Nursery and Primary School, Agu Abor, Trans Ekulu, Enugu – sponsored by the QPNF, in collaboration with other partners. The event had children smiling home with various gift items.
NewsBits also reports that the winner of Sac race, female category was Ovu Chigozie, while Ohagu Kenechukwu won the male category. In the Egg race, Mamah Blessing won female category while Onuorah Bethel won the male. Agbo Kingsley won the male category of Spelling Bee, while Agbo Ruth clinched the female category.
The Chair dancing competition Male Category was won by Atuogha Raphael while the Female category was won by Ani Ogechukwu. Anigbo Innocent was winner of the male category of the Dancing competition while Onyia Chidiebere won the female category.
Addressing the gathering earlier, Founder and President of Queen Precious Nwodo Foundation (QPNF), Precious Nwodo appealed for what she regarded as a “collective commitment” to empowering, nurturing, and bringing joy to the lives of children, particularly, kids from less privileged background.
Founder and President of Queen Precious Nwodo Foundation (QPNF)
Emphasising that children are “true essence of the future,” Queen Nwodo explained that “they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the joy and heartbeat of today.” Represented on the occasion by Mr. Ezondu Tobechukwu, the QPNF President made a passionate appeal to well-spirited individuals, organizations and international bodies to support children, adding that the special day was a day “to remind children that they are loved, valued, and supported.”
According to her, “Today, we gather here to celebrate the true essence of our future—our children. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the joy and heartbeat of today. This event is a manifestation of our collective commitment to empowering, nurturing, and bringing joy to the lives of these wonderful kids as it supports the United Nations SDGs.”
Queen Nwodo further said: “We have organized an array of exciting activities for the children today. All these are designed to put smiles on their faces, foster a sense of belonging, and create lasting memories. As we celebrate, let us remember the importance of community, kindness, and support. Each game played, each song sung, and each smile shared today strengthens our bond as a community. It is a day to remind our children that they are loved, valued, and supported.”
Queen Nwodo also expressed her appreciation to others who contributed to the success of the 2024 Childrens’ Day celebration, saying: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Your dedication and generosity have brought this celebration to life, and for that, we are immensely grateful.
“I might be in a far away land but you all have displayed selfless devotion and commitment. I am confident that today’s event will be a resounding success, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let us all ensure that our children feel the warmth of our love and the strength of our support.”
Similarly, the parish priest in charge of SS Simon and Jude, Rev. Fr. Henry Onoh expressed gratitude to the organizers, and noted that the event brought joy to the children. “You can see how all of them are smiling; all of us are happy,” he remarked.
But while seeking for help from public spirited individuals, organizations and international bodies to help the children and community, Fr Onoh said that the “pupils are indigent and couldn’t pay school fees,” although he added that, always, the school would come to the rescue, using scholarships.
According to the priest, “We have been celebrating event of this kind, but this is the first time we’re celebrating children and you can see how happy they are. We are celebrating with them, happy with them and everybody is happy.”
The parish priest further confirmed the humble background of the pupils. He said:
“The school is mostly filled with indigent children. We do give them scholarship and other assistance. We are seeking for help from well spirited individuals, organization and international bodies to save the indigent community and make the people happy.
“If you go inside the community, you can see that this place is a ghetto, but we are trying to save the community and it’s inhabitants and put smile on their faces.” In her contribution, the Head Mistress of the SS Simon and Jude Nursery and Primary School, Agu Abor, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, Mrs. Uchenna Akpa called for the sustenance of the annual Childrens’ Day celebration, saying that the “occasion gives kids a lot of fun and a sense of belonging.”
She confessed that the 2024 edition was the first time the school would be having such event since its commencement three years ago. Also, the mother of the founder of Queen Precious Nwodo Foundation, Mrs. Mercy Nwodo said a program like this should be sustained by all possible means to make the children happy.
“When we came here, the kids who came with was asking us to go to another place. But when the music started, and the atmosphere became lovely and lively, the kids started dancing and jumping up and down, having fun. They want the music to play on,” said Mrs. Nwodo, who also called for people with the heart of gold to come to the aid of the school.
One of the kids, Master Ugochukwu Ani, said he was very happy being at the children’s event. “I’m happy. I like the ceremony. I want it to continue,” said the excited little boy. Another child, Stella Ogonna said she has not been exposed to this kind of lovely and lively atmosphere for a very long time because her parents “don’t usually take me and my siblings to amusement parks here in Enugu.”
She expressed gratitude to all the partners who organized the outreach for children, especially, the Queen Precious Nwodo Foundation. In a vote of thanks, which Mr. Anthony Ezioko read on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Six Js Foundation, Lt Col Jude Obiora Onodu, he said: “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you here today. Your presence here has made a real difference in the lives of our children because we all know that children are the future of tomorrow and our effort today has triggered a positive influence that will last a lifetime in their lives.
“our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, your selflessness and kindness towards this great event have been the driving force behind the success we witnessed today Your contributions have enabled us to have the first Childrens’ Day celebration in this locality since it’s existence.”
Lt Col. Onodu further said: “The core mandate vision of our foundation is to “Add friutful value to humanity”. Therefore, the best place to make a better place in the world is by catching them young and inputting a value system they will grow with.
“The achievement and goal set in place today is possible by our collective efforts which I believe has inspired all the children seated here today and will truly remain unforgettable in their minds.
“I wish to thank our amazing team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in making todays event a triumph. Most importantly, to everyone who has supported our cause, your generosity and compassion will have a lasting impact on the life of these children.
Your kindness will bring hope, comfort, and support to them now and in near future.”
For the over 300 indigent kids, the 2024 Childrens’ Day celebration would remain evergreen in their memories.
