We Prioritized Safety Of Children In Organizing Christmas Carnival, Says Doris Ochei, As DAO Foundation Hosts Unforgettable Yuletide Celebration for Children in Onicha-Olona
Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei, founder of the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation, DAO, has confirmed with satisfaction, that she and her team ensured the safety of Children who participated in this years Christmas Carnival in Onicha Olona, was given utmost priority in the course of the organization and execution of the hugely successful, colourful, fun filled and richly rewarding annual yuletide event.
Dr. Ochei, who gave the affirmation against the backdrop of recent incidences of stampedes across the country during celebration events which attracted the gathering of large numbers of children, especially for philanthropic and goodwill distribution of gifts and food items, in the joyful and convivial spirit of Christmas, said she made sure that the strategy for sharing gifts was slightly adjusted to restore calm and order at the venue, when it appeared that a section of the arena was becoming a bit rowdy, and the celebration then proceeded smoothly, seamlessly and hitch free to it's very satisfactory end.
It would be recalled that December 26 every year, since the DAO was founded in 2018, has become a glorious day in the annals of the serene, pseudo-cosmopolitan community of Onicha Olona, in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, as it heralds the memorable, joyous and spectacular Children's Christmas Carnival event, organized by the Doris Amaka Ochei (DAO) Foundation.
This year's highly anticipated annual Christmas Party celebration for children, which held at Ugba Primary School, with the theme: "Grooming our Children for Royalty" was extra special as it not only brought together pupils from major primary schools within and beyond Onicha Olona town, alongside guests, including foreigners from various walks of life, it also witnessed the unveiling and presentation of the Maiden Brochure of the DAO Foundation.
The celebration's activities which unfolded in a well coordinated series of exciting, thrilling and sometimes hilarious episodes, included a richly pulsating cultural dance competition, quiz contests, musical performances, drama presentations and the “Master and Miss DAO” beauty pageant.
Highlights of the Event
Thousands of children received customized school bags filled with learning materials, while cash prizes were awarded to exceptionally creative participants. Scholarships were also granted to students from public schools across Aniocha North Local Government Area, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.
Inspiring Speeches
The patron of DAO Foundation, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei (rtd.), underscored the significance of the Christmas season as a time to celebrate love, hope, and humanity. He lauded the foundation’s efforts in nurturing the next generation through educational support and community engagement.Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei, the founder of DAO Foundation, emphasized her dedication to uplifting children and creating a world rooted in love, kindness, and justice. Speaking passionately about the importance of celebrating children during the festive season, she remarked:
“If we want to change the world and build a place of peace, justice, and honor, we must prioritize our children. This event is a step towards recreating that world, and I am committed to doing more for them in the future.”
She further expressed her belief in giving back, highlighting that DAO Foundation was born out of compassion and the desire to make a difference.
In his welcome address, the Patron of the Doris Amaka Ochei, DAO Foundation and husband of the founder, Major General Raymond Ochei, GSS, psc, PhD, commended his indefatigable wife, Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei, not only for her hard work and the steadfastness and commitment to improving the welfare of children and the less privileged, but also for celebrating the children Christmas Carnival, which she accomplished in a grand style with her team this year.
While extolling the achievements of the foundation in living up to its goals and objectives and emphasizing that the children's carnival was organized in the spirit of Christmas, which is a period of love, a Season of giving and a moment to reach out, cherish loved ones, share peace, unity and forgiveness amongst others, Major General Ochei used the opportunity to call on other socially minded individuals and organizations in our communities and cities to borrow a leaf, even as we struggle with different individual burdens, to also look out for and care for others.
Also welcoming the impressive gathering at the Christmas Carnival, the Children's representative of the DAO Daniella Ochei, noted that the theme of the celebration reminds all that every child was unique, valuable and filled with potentials just like kings and queens and while welcoming parents, teachers, sponsors and guests who took time out to grace the occasion, thanked the Doris Ochei Foundation for believing in the children and described all who made the event possible as superheroes who have inspired them to dream big and aim high.
Inclusivity and Impact
Although the annual event is held in Onicha-Olona, it extends its reach to children from neighboring communities, fostering inclusivity. Over the years, children from other towns have also benefitted from scholarships and prizes, making it a celebration for all within the Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the initiative, Dr. Ochei shared her thoughts on the transformative power of nurturing children:
“A world without children would be bleak. As we celebrate Christmas, we must embrace the spirit of giving and ensure that children are not left out of the festivities.”
The event was graced by notable figures, including the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon. Chinye Bazim, who commended the foundation’s impact on the community, as well as the President General of Onicha Olona Development Union Sir Patrick Anyibuofu Ejidoh, who served as Chairman and set the ball rolling for the presentation/launching of the Doris Ochei Foundation Maiden Brochure, amongst other distinguished guests and prominent sons and daughters of Onicha Olona.
The DAO Foundation continues to stand as a beacon of hope and empowerment, reaffirming its commitment to shaping brighter futures for children and women across Delta State.
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