The Wife fetes children in Lagos

By Vera Wisdom-Bassey

A non-governmental organisation, The Wife, recently held a one-day parents and youths Christmas carol and training at Agbelekale in Lagos. During the well-attended event, clothes and other materials were given out to women and children. In fact, everyone had one thing or the other to go home with.

According to The Wife’s chief co-ordinator, Rev. Ada Emeka Matthew, the party was held for the children to have fun, as this would affect their sense of dignity, self-confidence and ability to compete with their mates. She said: “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 to compete with their equals. These were some of the reasons we initiated the idea sometime ago and each year it gets better and more exciting for the children.’’

She further revealed that the Christmas party organized in Agbelekala was aimed at fostering closer relationship among people, especially at the grassroot. She added that she learnt the importance of fostering such relationships from her mentor, Dr. Nkem Okoro.

While calling on the women to put to practice the teachings of the programme of the day, she asked them to hold on to God to provide for them even as the economy is harsh. She urged them not to fail to connect with each other in terms of assistance.

Rev. Okechukwu the coordinator of The Wife in Agbelekale, was filled with joy and happiness over the event because, according to her, it was the first time they would hold it in her domain, and the turnout was encouraging. She explained that the party was in line with the spirit of Christmas, which is about giving and showing love, especially to the less privileged.

The guest speaker, Dr. Dike Gertrude, called on the youths to chose rightly so that they would have a peaceful home, adding that if they do so, society would be transformed.

She urged the youths to “look out for signs of a good quality man or woman who will bring out the best in them, and will not be afraid of their success. Don’t marry a man you don’t respect, but rather marry your friend, your jest partner who will correct you in love.”

Some of the activities during the event included a training session for single and married men, which was handled by Dr. Gertrude.