By Prosper Okoye
Hundreds of children across Abia State have benefited from an outreach programme marking Children’s Day, with organisers calling for sustained investment in child welfare beyond commemorative celebrations.
The Abia Children’s Day Outreach 2026 provided educational materials, healthcare support, feeding programmes, recreational activities and gift items to participating children, many of whom came from underserved communities across the state.
The initiative, which brought together community leaders, volunteers, educators and development partners, was coordinated by Mrs. Ugochi Otti Essienette, who said the welfare of children must remain a continuous priority rather than a once-a-year event.
“Beyond Children’s Day, we must invest in their future,” she said, stressing that children require consistent support to build confidence, access education and achieve their potential.
“Children are the pride of every society and the leaders of tomorrow,” she added. “Through this outreach, we seek not only to celebrate them on Children’s Day but also to provide meaningful support that will inspire hope, encourage learning and strengthen their confidence to pursue their dreams.”
Parents and guardians expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that it provided practical support for children’s education and welfare at a time of growing economic pressure on families.
Organisers said the outreach underscored the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations, private sector actors and development partners to address challenges affecting children.
They called for increased and sustained investment in education, healthcare and protection systems to ensure that children across Abia State have access to opportunities needed for development.
Mrs. Otti also reaffirmed plans to expand future interventions aimed at reaching more vulnerable children and strengthening inclusive development efforts across communities in the state.
