The event, held at the Government House in Umuahia, was a joyous celebration filled with drama, dance, games, quizzes, and gift distribution, bringing smiles to the faces of the children in attendance ¹.
In her remarks, Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of creating a world where every child feels loved, cherished, and protected. She reiterated her commitment to building an Abia State where the rights, dignity, and safety of every child are upheld ¹. The First Lady stressed that child trafficking, abuse, and molestation are heinous crimes that destroy young lives and futures, and vowed to raise awareness, enforce the law, and rid the state of such atrocities ².
Mrs. Otti also highlighted the significance of education as a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their background. She encouraged parents to engage their children meaningfully, lead by example, and create homes that foster kindness, empathy, and respect ¹.
The event was attended by various government officials, including Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Mrs. Ngozi Felix, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. They commended Mrs. Otti's initiative to celebrate children and reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the review and full domestication of the Child Rights Act in Abia State ¹.
*Key Highlights of Mrs. Otti's Initiatives:*
- *Child Protection*: Mrs. Otti has vowed to tackle child trafficking, abuse, and molestation, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for children ¹.
- *Education*: The First Lady stressed the importance of education as a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their background ¹.
- *Community Engagement*: Mrs. Otti encouraged parents to engage their children meaningfully, lead by example, and create homes that foster kindness, empathy, and respect ¹.
- *Collaboration*: The event showcased collaboration between government officials, community leaders, and parents to promote child welfare and development ¹.
The Christmas funfair was a resounding success, not only spreading holiday cheer but also reinforcing Mrs. Otti's unwavering commitment to creating a brighter, safer, and more equitable future for every child in Abia State ¹.
