NAN-ELS-2
Gifts
Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, Feb. 15, 2018 (NAN) Orphanages in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced an influx of visitors, who presented them with gifts to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The visitors comprised mostly school children, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charity clubs and religious organisations.
The visitors presented the orphanages with gifts such as food items, clothes and toiletries among others.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited orphanages in Kubwa, Gwarinpa, Wuse and Garki on Thursday, reports that well-wishers were seen trooping in, mostly dressed in red clothes.
Speaking with NAN, Mrs. Marie David, the Director of Espoir et Vie International Foundation, said that orphans were usually left out of a lot of celebrations, especially Valentine.
“I brought my team here so we can share love with these children just as the rest of the world is sharing love.
“It is important that these children also feel the impact of the celebrations so they don’t feel cut off from the world,’’ David said.
Miss Esther Williams, a teacher from one of the visiting schools, Vantage Point Academy, Gwarinpa said that the visit was designed to teach children the essence of helping people in need.
“The students brought the gifts from their homes for the orphans because they are learning the importance of spreading love even on days like Valentine.
“A lot of activities will happen around the world today but not all of them will possess value.
“Giving adds value to the giver and the receiver, and we are using this medium to teach this to our students,’’ Williams added.
Mr Kehinde Omololu, who visited an orphanage with some of his friends, told NAN that it was customary for him to do that every Valentine.
Omololu explained that he formed the culture because he observed that there was more focus on lustful activities during Valentine, with lesser focus on giving.
“It is the season of love and, while we are busy showing love to our loved ones, it is important we also show love to those who have no parents,’’ he added.
A staff of Mother Teresa Orphanage, Gwarinpa, who spoke anonymously, told NAN that it was thrilling to have people donate and spend time with orphans on Valentine’s Day.
She added that despite that it was not a public holiday, the turnout was impressive as people made the sacrifice to come around.
According to her, Valentine is not a popular orphanage visit day unlike Christmas or Sallah.
She encouraged more people to emulate the trend as the orphans need to have a feel of the love that was shared on Valentine’s Day. (NAN)
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Edited by Ese E. Ekama