News Release

Church Women's Organization Visits Children Centres

Commemorating 173rd LDS Church Relief Society Anniversary

The women’s organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Relief Society) in the Lagos Nigeria Stake (similar to a diocese), in partnership with the Institute of Social Work of Nigeria (ISOWN), visited the State Government Children Centre and the Special Children Correctional Centre for Girls on March 21, 2015.



 

The visit was to mark the 173rd anniversary of the Relief Society, which is one of the largest women’s organizations in the world. It was organized on March 17, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois in the United States.

The Children Centre currently serves about 66 children between ages five to 10, some of whom are physically and mentally challenged.

“It is a service-oriented, non-profit organization dedicated to providing a broad range of educational and support services for the children,” said Kemi Fashola, a staff member at the Children Centre.

Various items such as toiletries, clothes, noodles, scriptures and other items were donated as the children welcomed the women with a beautiful song titled “We are happy.”

Folashade Olukanni, Stake Relief Society President, commended the centre for its efforts with the children and encouraged the staff to continue to mould them into better citizens of the country.

While addressing the children, Olukanni stated that they are sons and daughters of God. She encouraged them to be obedient, respectful, humble, and to have courage to do that which is right always. The Church hymn titled “I Am a Child of God” was rendered to the children by the women of the Relief Society.

Similar donations and presentations were made at the Special Children Correctional Centre for Girls, which is located on the same premises.

Janet Folarin, president of the Young Women organization of the Lagos Nigeria Stake, spoke with the young girls at the correctional centre. She encouraged the girls to be of good behavior and put in their best in their skill acquisition. “Work hard, trust in the Lord and be focused,” was her counsel.

Nkechi Onyema of the Institute of Social Work of Nigeria also gave words of encouragement and advice.

Present at the visit were Olayinka Fayemi, administrator of the Children Centre, Adebayo Adeniyi, administrator at the Correctional Centre for Girls, centre and Church representatives.

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