Christmas celebrations in Anambra State took on a humanitarian tone as the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, reached out to thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children, bringing joy and relief to them as part of the 2025 festive season.
The event, held on Monday at the banquet hall of the Government House complex in Awka, hosted children drawn from 33 orphanage and motherless babies’ homes across the state.
The beneficiaries represented diverse ethnic, religious and social backgrounds, to enhance inclusiveness.
Addressing the children and caregivers, Mrs Soludo emphasised the importance of love, compassion and improved welfare for children, particularly those without parental care. She noted that such gestures help instil a sense of belonging and hope, assuring the children that their future remains bright despite their circumstances.
The Anambra First Lady, who also founded the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, spent time interacting with the children.
She encouraged them to express themselves freely and seek guidance whenever necessary, while also urging caregivers and matrons to pay close attention to adolescents, especially on matters relating to growth, development and personal wellbeing.
“Christmas is a time to share love and happiness, especially with children who are motherless, abandoned or less privileged,” she said. “Every child deserves care, protection and the opportunity to grow into a responsible and fulfilled adult, regardless of family background.”
Mrs Soludo further commended the dedication of caregivers and called on individuals, corporate organisations and community groups to support orphaned and vulnerable children beyond the festive season.
Earlier, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, praised the First Lady’s consistent advocacy for child welfare.
She noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife have remained at the forefront of promoting the Child’s Rights Law in the state, which seeks to safeguard children irrespective of their social or economic status.
The celebration featured Christmas carols and cultural performances by the children, while Father Christmas and other mascots distributed gifts on behalf of Mrs Soludo. Items shared included cash support, clothing, toiletries, beverages and other essential materials.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, some of the children expressed gratitude to the First Lady for remembering them during the festive season and offered prayers for God’s continued guidance.
The event ended with music, dancing and laughter, leaving many of the children with cherished memories of a Christmas defined by care, inclusion and hope.