Gov Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Sunday charged well meaning citizens in the state to ensure the happiness of orphans and physically challenged children.
He made the appeal at a Christmas party organised by the Benin central Lions Club, District 404, A1 for the blind, orphans and vulnerable in Benin.
Obaseki, represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS) Dr Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, said that children and Jesus Christ were similar as both were innocent and pure of heart.
He said there was need to reach out to the vulnerable as the Christmas season was a time of caring, sharing and giving.
” Children and Jesus are similar. Both are innocent and of pure heart. This is Christmas season, a time of caring, sharing and giving. Christmas is a week away and there is no reason we can’t share our Christmas joy with others.
” The children being celebrated today are like other children that surround us everyday, only less privileged and impaired in one way or the other. It is our duty to care for them, protect them and make them happy”, he said.
He said he was happy to see the children being excited and displaying their various talents in various games.
” I am captivated by their innocent smiles which revealed that Christmas spirit is in the air,” Obaseki said.
Earlier the President of the club, Mrs Joy Okor said that the initiative was put, in partnership with willing stakeholders, to make life better for the children.
She said that it was also part of the Club’s centenary celebration.
In her speech Mrs Vivian Ogbeide, Proprietress of Omosefe Orphanage, called on well meaning Nigerians to always extend hands of fellowship to orphans and the vulnerable in the society.
According to her such gesture will help reduce vices in the society. (NAN)