altIt was a thing of joy for widows and vulnerable Nigerian children as Goldcrest Family Centre, on Thursday, 24th October, 2013, celebrated its 10th Anniversary with an award and fundraising ceremony at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

In her welcome address, Rev. (Mrs.) Agatha Chukwura, the president of the centre, who could be said to be Nigeria’s Mother Theresa, stated that the vision of the organization focuses on widows, vulnerable children and their care-givers, and rural and community capacity development, stressing that the wickedness being perpetrated against widows in our nation is barbaric.

She said, “I feel ashamed that in 21st century Nigeria, people still observe the wicked culture of our father’s,” and asked, “when will Nigeria and her government realize that the issue of widows is worse than slave trade and should be stopped?”

With regards to the organizational dream programmes, Rev. Chukwura said they include building an e-Library, ICT centre, scholarship for 100 brilliant children, short term teachers’ training overseas, small scale business and a coaster bus to enhance the work of the organization.

Also speaking, the director of Inside Out Media, Mrs. Agatha Amata, thanked Mrs. Chukwura for her hard work and encouraged widows to never give up in the training of their children, who will give back to them in future.

A documentary on the works done by the organization over the past 10 years was shown while a female saxophonist, Funmi Sax and kids from Goldcrest Family Centre, thrilled the audience with their presentations.

Dignitaries at the event included the honourable minister of culture and national orientation, Chief Edem Duke, a philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, the executive secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who was represented by the director of NICO Lagos liaison office, Mr. Louis Eriomala, special adviser to the Lagos state governor, Mrs. Abosede Otun, and Mazi Sam Ohabuwa, who was the chairman of the occasion.

Igwe Blessing.
Corporate Affairs Unit
Lagos Office