By PAMELA EBOH
As part of activities to mark her birthday, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, on Sunday visited the state-owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka and Model Community Children’s Home, Ifite-Awka, also run by the State Government.
The governor’s wife was accompanied by her husband, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Paschal Agbodike, and Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, among others.
Speaking on the visit, Mrs. Soludo said it was aimed at showing love to the recipients.
Her words: “This year has been a very eventful one for me and the family. Our visit is in celebration of my birthday and to show my profound love to you as a family.
“We are well aware that donations to orphanage homes and many other institutions that rely largely on support from the public may have dwindled drastically because of the economic crunch, hence, the need to continuously show this love we are witnessing today”.
The Governor on his part reiterated his government’s commitment towards strengthening the laws against child abuse and maltreatment.
He said that the funds meant for servicing the orphanage will be sustained.
“Government will continue to champion demonstration of compassion and thoughtfulness to make a positive difference in the well-being of our children,” Soludo added.
While reacting to the story of a boy in the Orphanage that was maltreated and battered with sharp instruments, the governor described it as an inhuman for a human being to treat a child in such manner, saying that every child deserves to be treated fairly with love and affection.
He assured that the law will continue to run its full course.
Earlier, a thanksgiving mass was held at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, to commemorate the day.