The Wife of the Governor of Anambra State and Founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) has made case for greater care and attention to indigent children especially those with special needs.
Osodieme made the plea in her message on the occasion of the commemoration of International Day of the African Child on 16th June 2018.
A statement signed on her behalf by Chief Media Officer, Emeka Ozumba, Osodieme observed that the Day’s theme: “Leave no child behind in African Development,” reminds everyone that every child needs support, proper nurturing and education to grow through life.
Her words; “Children are God’s precious gift of love to mankind. It behooves on us to nurture, shield, and educate every child to live to his/her full potential by ensuring that no child is left behind in the scheme of human development.“
Osodieme called for inclusiveness that will ensure that no child is left behind, stressing that in this era of pervasive hunger and privation there is the tendency to ignore the plight of others especially indigent children with special needs. She urged parents not to abdicate responsibility and the teachers, to use their talents to identify and harness the unique gift of every child no matter how challenging.
Drawing inspiration from the classic song, “Greatest Love of All” by American singer, Late Whitney Houston, Osodieme belted the chorus; “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be…! She emphasized that adults owe it as a duty to protect the children whose laughter, according to the song, “remind us how we used to be,” stressing that “there is a child in every one of us.”
Furthermore, Osodieme expressed appreciation with the state government commitment to the protection and welfare of children which she noted is apparent in steadfast implementation of child-friendly programmes by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs. Osodieme also assured that her NGO, CAFÉ will sustain collaboration with the Ministry especially in the area child welfare programmes by supporting maternal and child healthcare, immunization and social education for the development of sound mind and body that would lead to the realization of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of every Anambra child