The “Night to Shine” program is a global initiative sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Georgia, USA. The event is dedicated to honor and celebrate people with special needs by affirming their dignity, their value and the values given by God.
This year the celebration was hosted by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit with as beneficiary, Sister Florentina ECHEM, DHS. The program was composed for people with special needs, aged 14 and over, in order to help them feel truly accepted and valued in society. The celebration took place on 13 February 2026 in Bezer Hall, Sango Abeokuta, Ogun State – NIGERIA.
It started with a captivating activity: «Limousine ride»… for children with special needs, giving the day a festive and dignified tone with an opening prayer, a warm welcome speech by Sister Florentina and a speech addressed especially to parents and caregivers of people with disabilities. Sister Mary ABODUNRIN, DHS, presented a brief history of the Ozanam Center, going back to the initial collaboration of Sister Jeanne Louise Le Gall, DHS, with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. She recalled the great effort made by Sr. Jeanne Louise and her collaborators to create a charity shop for the needy, a care center for the sick… thus offering great benefits to the poor and the sick for a good number of years.
As part of the celebration, other engaging and joyful activities were deployed such as medical check-up, make-up, walking on a red carpet, coronation and presentation of gifts. During the presentation on the red carpet, helium-inflated balloons were released symbolizing, for the participants and beneficiaries, joy, freedom, and hope while feeling the love of others. Added an atmosphere made of music, dance, singing and a quiz competition. The Holy Childhood Association presented a beautiful dance show, adding color and excitement to the event.
The celebration included 82 guests of honor, 32 caregivers/parents, a priest, 9 Daughters of the Holy Spirit and other guests.
At the end of the celebration, Sister Rosemary ETIM gave a word of thanks on behalf of the Vice-Provincial represented by Sister Cynthia AZUGHARA who in turn thanked all the participants, benefactors, caregivers, and donors. The participants all expressed their joy by singing and dancing. The event was filled with joy, laughter and authentic human connections that restore hope and confirm their place in the community.
Special prayers were offered for the Tim Tebow Foundation, in Georgia, USA, the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and all volunteer workers and supporters…
The celebration of “Night to shine” was an unforgettable and Spirit-filled day. It was a powerful reminder that love, dignity and inclusion transform lives.
Sister Florentina ECHEM, DHS. Published on 21 February 2026
