By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
It was a symbolic spiritual activity and open heaven as children at orphanage homes in Owerri lifted their voices in heartfelt prayers for the government and people of Imo State during a Valentine’s Day visit by Special Advisers to Governor Hope Uzodimma, as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The atmospheres at Save The Child Motherless/Abandoned Babies’ Home and Golden Star Orphanage in New Owerri were filled with emotion and gratitude as the governor’s aides presented food items, clothing, toiletries and cash donations to the children and their caregivers
Beyond the material gifts, the highlight of the visit was the spiritual outpouring from the children, who offered earnest prayers for God’s blessings, protection and guidance upon Governor Uzodimma and his administration.
They also prayed for sustained peace, unity and progress in Imo State as it celebrates five decades of creation, appreciating the Special Advisers for their heart touching philanthropy.
Speaking during the outreach, the Special Adviser on Skill Acquisition, Hon. Chidi Onyebuchi, explained that the visit was designed to share the joy of the state’s golden jubilee with the less privileged, using the 2026 Valentine’s Day celebration as an opportunity to demonstrate love and compassion.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups across the state, assuring of more things to come.
The matrons of the homes, Mrs. Kelechi Onu of Save The Child Motherless/Abandoned Babies’ Home and Mrs. Chioma Akujuo of Golden Star Orphanage, expressed deep appreciation to the governor and his team. They described the gesture as symbolic and impactful, noting that the donations would go a long way in improving the welfare of the children.
The caregivers at the two residential care institutions used the opportunity to appeal to well-meaning individuals and groups to extend similar gestures in support of the centres, noting that sustained assistance would go a long way in addressing the needs and welfare of the children under their care.
Expressing her sentiments, the Special Adviser on Housing, Revenue and Recovery, Hon. Lolo Chinonye Nnawuihe, stated that the visits were in alignment with the Shared Prosperity Philosophy of Senator Uzodimma’s administration. She gave thanks to God for the governor’s impactful leadership in the state and for inspiring and empowering them to undertake the philanthropic initiatives.
Other Special Advisers present — including Hon. Joseph Oputa (ISOPADEC), Hon. Chief Ahamdi Chikwe (Alternative Dispute Resolution), Hon. Lesley Egondu Mazi (Women Empowerment), Hon. Ifeoma Ekenjoku (SMEs and Micro Credit Schemes), and Hon. Esther Ukachukwu (Secondary Education Intervention) — expressed deep fulfilment in positively impacting lives.
They explained that the visits to the orphanages achieved a twofold purpose: sharing the joy of Valentine’s Day with the children and including them in the celebration of Imo State’s 50th anniversary. They described the outreach as emotional and heartwarming, noting that it demonstrated the love and care of Governor Uzodimma’s administration toward the children.
“Our dear governor is a kind and compassionate leader. We are here to spread that love and compassion on his behalf because he cannot be everywhere at once. So, we are here as his aides to bring joy to these wonderful children in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and the anniversary of our dear state’s creation,” one of the advisers declared.
The political appointees commended Governor Uzodimma for what they described as his unprecedented achievements across various sectors of the state. They also urged the people to sustain their support for the 3R Government in order to further consolidate on its mandate and advance the development of the state.
The visit concluded with touching moments as the children, caregivers and government representatives joined in prayers, symbolically sealing the state’s 50th anniversary celebration with hope, gratitude and faith for a brighter future for Imo State.
