Commemorating the International Children’s Day marked annually on the 1st of June, as well as the 60th anniversary of the Asian country’s dispatch of its first medical aid team abroad, the wife of Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Liang Huili was at Victorine Home Orphanage in Gwarinpa to spend time with the orphans as well as donate items for their comfort.
The theme of the visit, ‘Warm Children’s Hearts, a China-Africa Joint Action,’ was initially introduced by wife of the Chinese President, Peng Liyuan. She also established the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
During her opening remarks, Liang expressed delight being at the event thanking the Ministry of Women Affairs as well as the Victorine Orphanage for making the visit a reality.
She pointed out that, Her Excellency Peng, sent a message to the first ladies of African countries, expressing gratitude for their assistance in China’s fight against COVID-19. And as an expression of friendship from the Chinese towards Africans, the Chinese government donated a batch of anti-pandemic supplies through OAFLAD to 53 African countries including Nigeria for women, adolescents and children.
“On behalf of the Chinese government, I want to donate love packages to the beloved children as a symbol of our efforts to keep the fire of love burning.,” she said, hoping the gesture would show warmth and care to the children and support them to grow up in good health and live happy lives. She said China is ready to work with Nigeria to encourage all stakeholders in taking action to improve health and well-being of African orphans.
Meanwhile the Matron of the Orphanage Home, Jovita Nzeduru, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their support and for choosing Victorine Home. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the orphanage in meeting the needs of the 25 children under their care, including school fees payment, feeding and health care as the orphanage received no government support. “Its not easy to take care of children and the responsibilities of these children solely lies with the orphanage.”
Items donated in the love packages include writing tools among other gift items. An orphan, Raphael Nwako noted in excitement, “I love this event and I hope they continue celebrating it every Children’s Day. I pray that God blesses and strengthens the wife of the Chinese Ambassador,” he said.
