As it seems, children and women are usually considered weaker formation or breed within any society. Thus, prior considerations are geared towards them in terms of volatility and other struggles in the interim. Many of such instances can be seen from both international organisations, governments and individuals who reel out humanitarian aids to either celebrate or support these children and women in their endeavours.
One of such has been the mantra for “Rity and Friends”, a Non-governmental organisation that has over the one decade, organised outreaches to both celebrate, as well as assist members of the community. The organisation seen to the welfare of many, writes Friday Obande.
During the last edition of the celebration, there was an aura of excitement, learning and celebration as Rity and Friends marked the 10th Anniversary of its Annual Children Outdoor Splendour, an event dedicated to educating, nurturing and impacting children while putting smiles on the faces of children, mothers and everyone it comes in contact with.
The colourful event, which was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Galadimawa Primary School Field, Abuja, attracted over 500 children drawn from different communities, alongside teachers, parents, members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other stakeholders.
Recall that this August event comes up every December, singles out and has kept touching lives of less privileged children, women and other vulnerable members of the society.
The programme kicked off with an interactive entrepreneurship session facilitated by Ogaba Idu and the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Paul Nwachukwu, as the facilitators engaged the children in practical exercises, emphasising the importance of early skill acquisition, as well as formal education as a foundation for future success.
Photos of Children performing Various Competition like Singing, Dancing, Speech Making, Question and Answer.
Gifts were presented to the outstanding children, after which they made it home with packs of tissues, car toys, Bayleveler, Reusable pads, Face towels, Mother liquid soaps and lumps of the 10th anniversary cake that was cut to mark the celebration.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council commended the Rity and Friends initiative, stressing that every child deserves proper nurturing and guidance. He expressed delight at the growing number of children benefiting from the organisation’s educational programmes across various schools and communities, and called on government, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative.
Also speaking, former NAWOJ Chairperson, Princess Joy Idam, described children as precious gifts from God who must be positively guided. She cautioned parents against all forms of violence, noting that domestic conflict negatively affects children’s mental and emotional development. Princess Idam applauded Rity and Friends for its consistency, transparency and commitment over the years, while urging greater support for the initiative.
In her address, the Convener of Rity and Friends, Miss Charity Ikenwa, popularly known as Rity, said the initiative was born out of her deep passion for children and her desire to see them properly nurtured, impacted and positioned for success.
She disclosed that over the past decade, Rity and Friends has returned many children to school, supported start-up businesses for mothers, and carried out several community outreaches where food items were distributed to vulnerable children across the FCT. According to her, the Annual Children Outdoor Splendour has been successfully hosted in communities such as Dogongada, Wumba, Kuchingoro, Galadimawa, as well as Obosi in Anambra State.
“I see every child as my own, even though I have not birthed any. I love children deeply and want to see them succeed. That is why Rity and Friends currently has 23 children in different schools across rural FCT communities, not because we have enough funds, but because every child must succeed,” she said.
Miss Ikenwa charged the children to strive to be exceptional, upright and disciplined, urging them to shun stealing and all forms of negative behaviour. She also announced that in 2026, Rity and Friends will expand its scope to include skill acquisition programmes, social clubs and other life-transforming initiatives, beyond school fees support and annual outreaches.
A special affirmation session followed, where the children pledged to be responsible, obedient and morally upright, while rejecting all forms of evil prevalent in society.
The convener further advised parents to live responsibly for the sake of their children, cautioning against domestic abuse and unhealthy family environments. She urged prospective parents to consider their financial capacity before having children, so they can provide them with a decent and dignified life.
Speaking emotionally on sponsorship, Miss Ikenwa expressed heartfelt appreciation to her friends and partners who consistently support the initiative, describing them as the backbone of Rity and Friends.
“Without my friends and partners, there will be no Rity and Friends,” she said, offering prayers for them.
The spiritual aspect of the event was led by Sister Debora of Christ Embassy Church, Durumi (Abuja Ministry Centre), who prayed for the children and distributed hundreds of Rhapsody of Realities Early Readers and Teevo, which the children joyfully read and used to affirm positive declarations over their lives.
Children Toys 
Photo of Children Toys
Children who spoke with Portfolio Media expressed gratitude for the initiative and prayed for its sponsors. Eniola Owolabi, a long-time member of the Rity and Friends dance crew, recalled her journey with the group over the past ten years, noting that she has learned love, generosity and compassion from “Aunty Rity,” whom she fondly calls Mom.
Another beneficiary, Favour, said her faith is often strengthened through conversations with Rity, whom she confides in as a teenager, as she prayed for greater strength, growth and success for Rity and Friends as the organisation looks forward to a bigger and more impactful outing in 2026 edition that promises fantabulous outreach for all.
Rity and Friends is not just an initiative but a dream with gestures that deserve accolade in order to further motivate the organiser, Miss Charity Ikennwa in her humanitarian services. Kudos to Rity and Friends.
End.
