The 2024 edition of children’s Christmas carnival organised by the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation (DAOF) has come and gone in Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, leaving behind memories of fun that will last for a lifetime.
Over 2000 children, in their school uniforms alongside their teachers and parents attended the carnival held at Ugba Primary School, Onicha Olona where many went home with gift items.
The carnival came to a climax with cultural dances and quiz competition following which a Master and Miss DAO 2024 emerged.
In her opening remarks, founder of DAO Foundation, Dr Doris Amaka Ochie expressed compassion for children, explaining how she started the initiative in 2018 for children to have a time to reconnect and embrace an occasion for joy, reflection and togetherness.
She hoped that in the future, the children will look back on their experiences with the foundation and be inspired to dedicate their lives to supporting others, not just matching this accomplishments but exceeding the expectations of their generation.,
Patron of DAO foundation, Major-General Raymond Ochie, stressed the need for all to rethink love and compassion towards one another.
He commended his wife for hard work, steadfastness and commitment to improving the welfare of the underprivileged, adding that the foundation had been a beacon of hope for many by providing support to widows and barren women, contributing to community development, awarding scholarships for indigent students to study overseas, providing interest-free loans to market women, among other achievements.
He called on other socially-minded individuals and organisations in different communities and cities to emulate the foundation.
Representative of the children, Daniella Ochie commended DAO foundation for the annual event, saying “We are grateful to DAO Foundation for not just organising this event but for believing in us, the children.”
Earlier the president-general of Ubulu Uku Development Council, Patrick Ugbaja commended Dr Ochie for venturing into development of children education, encouraging her not to relent, stressing that as an indigene of Ubulu-Uku, the benefactor has made them proud.
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