By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has commenced the distribution of essential food items and other supplies to vulnerable children and the less privilege in Rivers.
The items distributed include bags of rice, beans and garri; cartons of noodles, semovita and beverages; vegetable oil, toiletries, diapers, baby food, and wipes.
Other items include school materials, gas burners and cylinders, mattresses, as well as customised PHED clothing and notebooks, all aimed at easing the burden on caregivers during the festive season.
Presenting the items to the Port Harcourt Children’s Home on Friday, the Managing Director of PHED, Mr Ete Pinnick, said that Christmas was a period of compassion, love and shared humanity.
Represented by PHED’s Chief People Officer, Mrs Angela Ajare, Pinnick stated that the company’s 2025 Christmas outreach targets vulnerable children and the less privileged.
According to him, Christmas is a time to show love, spread joy and demonstrate the values that epitomise Christ, who is the reason for the season.
“Providing these items is our way of ensuring that these beautiful children celebrate Christmas in a joyful and dignified manner. No one should be left behind.
“When we extend a hand of kindness, we build a stronger and more compassionate community,” he said.
Pinnick assured the children and the less privileged that they are seen and valued, and that they would never be abandoned.
He added that while circumstances may shape different beginnings, they do not define the future.
“Our vulnerable children should know that they are gifts, each born with purpose, dignity and unlimited potential.
“We want children in orphanage homes to know that they are special, strong and loved, and that they can grow into everything God created them to be.
“They should also understand that no matter where life begins, it is where it leads that truly matters,” he said.
The managing director further assured that the distribution of household supplies would continue, in line with PHED’s philosophy of shared responsibility and community support.
Speaking further, the Head of Corporate Communications at PHED, Mrs Olubukola Ilevbare, explained that the distribution exercise formed part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
She said that PHED should not only be known for collecting electricity bills, but also as a company that cares and shows compassion to its host communities.
According to her, the distribution of food and household items was carried out simultaneously across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States.
“This is simply our way of saying Merry Christmas to children in orphanages and letting them know that PHED truly cares about them,” she said.
Ilevbare commended the caregivers and management of orphanage homes for their selfless dedication and commitment to raising vulnerable children in society.
Also speaking, the Matron of the Port Harcourt Children’s Home, Mrs Sarah Kusoro-Jumbo, expressed gratitude to PHED for the donations.
“We are truly delighted that our children will now sleep on better mattresses. We appreciate the food items, clothes, books and other materials donated to the children,” she said.
