Parents, guardians and caregivers at Community Homes across Anambra State have been advised to pay greater attention to children in their early teenage years, as a way of helping them secure their future.
The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo gave the advice when she hosted children from orphanages and community homes to a Christmas Party at the Light House, Awka.
The special children were treated to some fun games, good music and dance competition, as well as sumptuous meal.
Dr Soludo also used the opportunity to have personal interaction with teenagers from the homes, as a way to understand their challenges and how the government can respond in addressing plight.
Speaking during the event, Mrs Soludo said children as the future of the society, must be cared for, especially at their formative stages.
Acknowledging that poor parental guidance and lack of attention have been the bane of effective development of the children, the first lady observed that children, especially the female gender, in their early teenage ages face a lot of challenges, bothering on their education, sexual health, and societal acceptance.
She stated that without the right guidance and tutelage, many teenagers have ended up becoming a menace to the society, venturing into vices and unacceptable conducts.
“I want to urge our parents, operators and matrons of homes to always pay attention to the needs of these children between the ages of 13 and 20, because that period is critical in their development as individuals. That is the period their perceptions are formed and mindset shaped.
“A lot of things happen so fast in their lives, and they consistently require attention, people they can confide in, share their fears and doubts, as well as inquire from and get the right advice regarding their sexual health, their education, their relationships and other things.
“They need love and care at this stage of their lives, as well as constructive advice and guidance, if they will develop into better citizens in the future,” she said.
The Anambra first lady also emphasized the need for the young people to always be willing to confide in their parents and very close guardians and relatives.
On the Christmas party, the governor’s wife said it has become an annual event, through which he extends love and support to the special children in the community homes.
She noted that through the event, she wants to guarantee the children’s joy and confidence in the ability of the society to care for them, noting that with the right support, the children will be focused to pursue their life ambitions without distraction.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo expressed appreciation to the wife of the governor for her large heart in organizing seasonal and frequent programmes for the community homes’ children.
According to her, the children are now better assured that the state government understands their plight and is willing to take steps to address them, so that they can compete with their peers in their parents’ homes.
In their speeches, some of the children, Nmesoma Igwe and Emmanuel Igboka said they were amazed at the kind of treat they got from the Anambra First Lady.
They expressed the hope that the governor’s wife will continue to shower them with love, acknowledging that in the community homes has been the survival of the fittest.
