Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Patience Ambode has commended Development Africa (DA), a charity/NGO as the group held the 15th edition of its annual Christmas Party last Wednesday, December 9 at Fantasyland, Ikoyi, for less privileged children drawn from 21 Orphanages, rehabilitation homes, remand homes and centers for the disabled across the state in attendance.
Mrs. Ambode commended DA and the team of volunteers for their efforts at making this initiative an annual event in the past 15 years. She also urged the children to take their studies seriously so that they can become successful individuals and be able to replicate the same gesture in future.
“I sincerely appreciate Development Africa (DA), caregivers, volunteers, and the team of sponsors that deemed it fit to put smiles on the faces of these children annually. It take those with Godly hearts to extend love to these children by doing whatever it takes to put smiles on the faces of these children.” she stated.
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 of society.
He added that DA decided to support children in homes and orphanages because many of them lack social activities, parental care and are deprived of opportunities that the party offers. He also acknowledged sponsorship of the event from KPMG, Dredging International, among others
Many of the children here today lack social and recreational opportunities; they don’t have parents to take them out during the weekends or give them individual Christmas presents. This in turn affects their sense of dignity and self-confidence, this is why we initiated the idea 15 years ago to hold an annual Christmas and Year-end event for the children and it has been growing every year.
As you can see, the children are happy and having fun; we serve them breakfast, lunch, drinks, cakes, ice-cream and snacks. We provide them with games, 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 who have funded and supported the project.
He also commended Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Patience Ambode for her support in rallying all the homes and orphanages in the state to attend the party.
