Ochei: Charity Event Organisers Must Prioritise Safety
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DAO Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Doris Amaka Ochei, has said that security is so important to effective organization of charity events that organisers should make security part of the planning process.
Dr. Ochei who made the assertion in a chat with newsmen during the 2024 year-end children carnival held at Ugba Primary School, Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, said that Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation (DOA) has successfully organized series of the annual events for primary and secondary school children since 2018 mainly because the organizing committee often makes serious security provisions.
Asked if she was worried that the steady expansion in the size and scope of the annual carnival could overwhelm the organisers and precipitate a crisis situation similar to those witnessed recently in several charity events across the country, she noted that adequate security involving police, military and civil defence personnel coupled with adequate supplies, in terms of well-organised distribution of refreshment and gifts, have ensured hitch-free programme annually.
However, Ochei emphasized her avowed commitment to giving back to society especially by uplifting children and creating a world rooted in love, kindness, and justice.
She said: “If we want to change the world and build a place of peace, justice and honour, we must prioritize our children, particularly the education of our children. That, indeed, is the essence of the theme of this year’s celebration, which is, Grooming Our Children for Royalty”.
“This event is a step towards recreating that world, and I am committed to doing more for them in the future.”
The 2024 year-end celebration at Onicha-Olona, themed, “Grooming Our Children for Royalty”, brought together pupils from several public primary and post-primary schools in and beyond Onicha-Olona, as well as eminent personalities from various walks of life as special guests.
The annual event featured cultural dance competition, quiz contests, musical performances, drama presentations, and the debuting “Master and Miss DAO” beauty pageant.
Thousands of children received customized school bags filled with assorted learning materials, while cash prizes were awarded to exceptionally creative participants. Scholarships were also granted to students from public schools across
Patron of DAO Foundation, Major-General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei (rtd), underscored the significance of the Yuletide Season bordering on mutual sharing, celebration of love, hope, humanity and appreciation of God for blessings during the year.
The DAO’s efforts towards nurturing the next generation through deliberate educational and vocational intercession and support vis-a-vis various community engagement.
