A social and philanthropic group based, the Progressives for Greatness celebrated this year’s St. Valentine ’s Day at the St. Vincent De Paul Old Peoples and Destitute Home, located within Abakiliki, Ebonyi state capital.
The group’s President, Mr Okechukwu Mgbada, said during the visit that it was to let people know that the feast called for identifying with the less-privileged in the society.
The president, who is a member of the Ebonyi state Secondary Education Board (SEB) said that the visit would help change the wrong perception attached to the celebration in the society especially among the youths.
“Most people see the occasion as a period to show love and affection only to their loved ones or family members without identifying with those who have nobody to take care of them.
He noted that the most critical aspect was that most youths see it as an occasion to indulge in various forms of sexual immorality thereby increasing the health risks involved in such indulgence.
Mgbada commended the home’s administrators for effective catering of the inmates despite noticeable challenges.
“I wish to also commend the hope and commitment shown by the inmates to enhance their lives by engaging in various vocational ventures.
“This shows that you are not demoralised by your present condition but have the belief of a better life in the future,” he said.
He said urged the inmates to accept the ‘token’ presented by the group and the administrators to notify it of ‘pressing’ challenges confronting the home and we assure that you will henceforth be inculcated in our activities.
Vice President of the group, Mrs Adamma Obasi-Dunu, urged people to properly understand the celebration’s essence especially among the youths.
“St. Valentine laid his life for others to live and even if your relatives stay away from you on this occasion, we will identify with you,” she said.
The Administrator of the home, Mr John Lekpa, thanked the progressives for the gesture, stating that it has given meaning to the inmates’ lives.
“We have never celebrated this occasion in this manner and this shows that this year will be good for us.
Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of food items, clothing, cash among others to the inmates spiced with the cutting of the ‘valentine’ cake.
