The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Orphanage

  • Pharmacists donate to orphanage, elderly people homes

    Pharmacists donate to orphanage, elderly people homes

    The Rivers State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has donated drugs and food items to the home for elderly and motherless babies home.

    The visit, which started with sensitisation awareness on fake drugs and the operation of quack in the profession, gave pharmacists operating in the state the opportunity to suggest the way forward for a healthy society.

    Speaking after the donation at the orphanage home, the Chairman PSN Rivers State chapter, Godson Chukunda, said his group had   identified quack in the profession as one of the major challenges facing the organisation.  He said they need security officers to arrest the imposters who he alleged have sent many people to early grave by their fake practices.

    Chukunda said in spite of their effort to ensure access to medicines and good pharmacy practice in the state many criminals are still fighting hard to defile all laws and make mockery of the practice.

    “The bitter truth is that in Rivers State we are working round the clock to make sure that we sanitize the system. We need security officers to arrest the imposters; of course security is not free again in Nigeria. We have always warned the public that the Neon sign is a symbol of professional pharmacist. Drug is an ingredient and if you don’t store it well you will be taking poison, I want to use this medium to inform Nigerians that taking drugs deserve information and whenever you take drugs without information it’s as good as jeopardising your health.”

    In the same vein, Donatus  Ijezie, the Vice President  Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), said they are at the motherless home and the home for the elderly as part of the sensitisation awareness on accessibility of drug to the public.

    He noted that the responsible use of medicines depends on the synergy between pharmacists and other members of the health care team.

    “This partnership must be based on agreed vision, shared goals and commitment, vital skills, rapport and ability to dialogue positively.  Health as a fundamental human right is indispensable in achieving other rights especially the right to development and right to living a life of dignity.”

  • Group urges vigilance at orphanage homes

    The Lions Club International has urged operators of orphanages, motherless babies’ homes and other rehabilitation centres across the country to be more vigilant in view of the upsurge in child trafficking.

    President of Ado-Ekiti Metropolitan Lions Club, Dr. Idowu Adeojo, gave the advice in Usi-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State while donating some materials to the inmates of Winning Children Foundation, a private orphanage.

    Adeojo advised that there was need for the operators of these motherless babies’ homes to take the issue of security serious, to prevent evil doers from capitalising on the vulnerability of the children to perpetrate evil.

    The former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state urged the government to invest in the education of the children that found themselves under that condition.

    The step, according to him, would not only reduce crime but would also prevent their future from being jeopardized.

    “It is disheartening to be hearing on daily basis, reported cases of child abandonment, baby factories, child labour and trafficking even when we have a functional government in place.

    “The government and the private organisations owe it a duty to protect the future of these children. They should not allow anyone to seize the opportunity of their vulnerability to use them as slaves or for other evil things.

     

  • Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage

    Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage

    It was a ray of hope and joy at the weekend for the inmates of Kirikiri Maximum Prison and the children and staff of Heart of Gold Hospice Motherless Babies’ Home in Surulere, as the General Overseer, Word and Spirit Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Chris Ekeh, celebrated his 40th birthday with them.

    The event started with prayers, praise and worship to Almighty God, after which the inmates and staff of the Prison expressed gratitude and appreciation to the pastor for the gesture.

    While addressing the inmates, Pastor Ekeh urged them to confess their sins and put their hope in God, saying soonest God will set them free.

    He advised them not to see their present condition as the end of their lives, adding that it will make them become agents of change in future.

    “Being in the prison is not the end of life but God wanted to use it to bring about the forgiveness of their sins, salvation; deliverance and to transform their lives.”

    He urged them to always smile irrespective of the difficulties because there is hope when there is life.

    They were further enjoined to hope in God in all circumstances, saying that those who were yet to accept Jesus Christ should do so, because in Christ there is word, life and everlasting prosperity.

    The man of God said he chose to celebrate his birthday with them just to thank God.

    He said: “Forty years is not 40 days. Many of those they grew up together had died, while many have ended up as prisoners due to some crimes that metamorphosed from picking pockets. When they are doing that, they believe they are enjoying. Despite the oppression and intimidation then, God prevented him from joining them.”

    According to him, he wants to use the opportunity to positively transform lives both morally and spiritually.

    “Life is not only about party and what you take but what you give to impact to humanity. Life is not about contributions and distributions,” he said.

    He urged the inmates to ensure their experiences in the pris on counts after their freedom.

    The clergyman pledges to visit them regularly and ceaseless supports to them and the prison yards.

    Responding, the inmates raised their hands towards the direction of the clergyman and prayed for him that God should continue to elevate him, his family and the ministry.

    The Assistant Controller of Prison (ACP) Iriri, who spoke on behalf of the management, praised Pastor Ekeh for his love and kindness in celebrating his birthday with inmates of the prison. He appealed for continued visit to them and be part of the agent that will find solution to the challenges facing the prisoners in the course of serving out their term.

    He said the inmates are lagging behind, saying some programmes such as education, skill training and empowerment, motivators, generating sets and food items are lacking.

    The birthday cake was cut in support of the important dignitaries and church members present at the event, while various gifts and other essential items were provided for the inmates and children at the motherless babies’ home.

    Among those who were present at the event included popular Nollywood stars such as Chinyere Winifred Ameachi Muonago and Ebere Okaro.

    Some of the items donated to the home were money, food stuffs, baby clothes, diapers and sanitary materials.

    While receiving the items, the proprietress of the motherless babies’ home, Mrs. Adedoyin Adelaja, thanked the clergyman and his entourage for their support. She urged them to be more committed to the service of humanity and champion the cause of the less-privileged people.

    She also called on Nigerian leaders, politicians, religious leaders to support the less-privileged morally and financially. Through this, she said, the level of poverty and nuisance would be reduced if not eradicated in the society.

  • Free food, facilities for orphanage

    Free food, facilities for orphanage

    _DSC0829Not everyone is distracted by reports of unscrupulous characters turning orphanages into hideous money-making ventures. There are groups and individuals who recognise that children without parents need help. A Dublin, Ireland-based group, Old Bende Association, has built recreational facilities for children at the Uzoakoli Motherless Babies Home in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State. The donors, made up of indigenous people of the council, also provided various food items for the orphanage.

    The home, established in 1942 by the Methodist Church of Nigeria, is a refuge for orphans and abandoned children. There were about 29 children at the home when The Nation visited, but it was also gathered that some inmates have become professionals in various fields after being educated or trained in skills.

    The orphanage, however, still grapples with such challenges as dearth of healthcare facilities and baby foods, and among others.

    A staff in the home said that government and private hospitals still charge inmates as they do other patients, not considering the peculiarities of orphanages.

    “The way we live here and play with the children, if anyone gets sick and when we take them to the hospital for treatment, even when they know that we are from this motherless babies home, they still charge us like every other person,” the staff said.

    The gesture of the Ireland-based group will boost their morale.

    The project and the food items donated were estimated to cost the association about N200, 000.

    Speaking at the handover of the items, National President of the association, Sunday Obasi Kalu represented by Mr. James O. Anya, said that the donation was part of the Old Bende Association members in Diaspora to plough a little of their meager resources into  the lives of the needy in their midst.

    He expressed optimism that the facilities would go a long way in improving the health and social life of the children.

    Awa Kalu, the Income Generating Officer of the home who spoke on behalf of the absent matron, Mary Corput, said that they were happy over the group’s gesture.

    Kalu said that they were overwhelmed with joy when the group told them they wanted to repair and refurbish their sporting facilities which had been comatose. He expressed the hope that the coming to life of the facilities would help to improve on the inmates social life.

    He called on other indigenes of the area, government, public and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the home, disclosing that the most pressing needs of the home at the moment are baby foods, diapers, access to medical facilities including drugs and among others.

    He promised that they were going to ensure that whatever that the group and other individuals were going to donate to the home would be used judiciously.

    The group also took out time to play with the children and also watched the children play with the donated sporting equipments.

  • Rivers tourism agency makes case for orphanage

    Rivers tourism agency makes case for orphanage

    The Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, (RSTDA) Dr. Sam Dede, has called on the privilege individuals and group in Nigeria to assist in the education of the less-privileged, especially orphans.

    Investing in the education of the orphans can never be described as a wasted venture.  If orphans are educated, the pains from their unfortunate condition will melt into a mere testimony, Dede argued while receiving the Susan Brown’s Orphanage home at his office in Port Harcourt.

    •Dede
    •Dede

    Dede, an award winning actor and lecturer, said RSTDA is interested in orphans education and would continue to assist in its little ways especially by calling privileged individuals to give equal right to the disabled and orphans.

    He noted that the agency under his leadership created a platform on Rivers carnival fondly called CARNIRIV to ensure that the orphanage homes in Rivers State are a part of the celebration.

    He said:”We want to call on well meaning Nigerians including governments to consider the education of orphans. These children have a right to education like every other child in this country. One thing is certain; no amount of investment on the education of these innocent children will be a waste.

    “I am pleading on their behalf to join hands together to see what we can do to be humanist as far as their education is concerned.  Despite their unfortunate condition they have equal right to be educated and it is the responsibility of all to aid their education.”

    One of the kids from Susan Brown’s Orphanage home, Miss favour Orlu said she is excited with the encouragement by the agency.

    She said: “I feel happy and excited with the way RSTDA has shown concern on our plight, last year we were given the opportunity to participate at the carnival. We are delighted to hear that the agency is making a case for us to attract support from people over our education.”

  • NGO seeks support for orphanage

    A non-government organisation (NGO), Royal Diamond Orphanage Home (RDOH), has urged private and government establishments to support non-governmental agencies offering humanitarian services.

    Co-founder/Executive Director, RDOH, Pastor Favour Olayemi, made the call at the inauguration of the group’s headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos.

    Pastor Olayemi said the home has made it a priority to offer uncompromising health care services to inmates of the orphanage.

    He said without this assistance,  there could be loss of lives in the home.

    He said: “We have a medical retainership services with a reputable hospital in the neighbourhood – St. Timothy Catholic Hospital in Ojodu. There is also Health Management Organisation (HMO) plan for the babies and staff.”

    “As part of the integrated approach in running orphanage home, we have a robust and tested model for taking care of the medical and health related challenges.

    “First aid attention is being provided by our residential nurses in collaboration with our part-time medical consultants.”

    He stressed the need for concerned institutions to be more proactive in providing drugs and infrastructure for emergency cases. They should also be more supportive, he added.

  • Orphanage celebrates growth at anniversary

    Orphanage celebrates growth at anniversary

    Operators of an orphanage in Kaduna State have expressed happiness that a school has been incorporated into the facility to educate the inmates. The orphanage named Mercy Home Orphanage, Maternity and Vocation Centre was commissioned in October 2000 by a representative of the then First Lady, the late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. However, as the home grew with more orphaned children being admitted, the need to provide them with some education became apparent and the owners were compelled by circumstances to set up a school for the orphaned children.

    With only one teacher in 2004 when the primary school started, the Mercy Home Primary and Secondary School now has over 200 pupils in the primary section and about 72 others in the secondary, with over 20 teachers.

    All this was revealed at the 10th anniversary of the facility.

    Founder and President of Mercy Home Orphanage, Rev. Tunde Bolanta said at the event that the need to establish the school became overwhelming when the church he pastors began to pay heavily to send the children to school.

    Apart from the orphans from the home who are regular pupils in the primary and secondary school, children from the immediate Romi community whose parents cannot afford to send to school are accommodated in the school with support from well-meaning individuals.

    At the anniversary celebrations, Rev. Bolanta expressed appreciation to parents of the children from the community “for having faith in us to do the work we are doing here”.

    Speaking further, he said: “When we started the orphanage, it became a challenge because we were paying a lot of fees outside. The Lord spoke to me to have our own place here. At that time, we had no money for the project and we didn’t know where the money would come from. I asked the boys working with us to start digging the foundation.

    “One of the questions I was asked was where the blocks would come from. I was sitting under the tree while the boys were digging when one woman came and saw us digging the foundation and asked what we were doing. I told her we were trying to build a block of classrooms for our kids and she gave us 4000 blocks.

    “From there, others started joining and contributing to the project and the school is a success story today.”

    He said further that at the beginning, the school had 86 children on scholarship, 46 of whom from the orphanage home, while the others were from the immediate community.

    He explained that from a modest beginning with the primary school, the home had to build a secondary school which has started graduating the pupils. The secondary school has found itself squashed inside its small premises, which it shares with the primary school, hence the need to build a separate more classrooms for the secondary school.

    He stressed: “We are trusting God to build a two-storey building which will serve as the secondary school block. We are trusting God to touch people to donate to the project.

    “Christian education is very important. We have many people who went to school in this nation, but not all have wisdom. I believe that these children are the future of Nigeria and I believe that as they grow, they will be good ambassadors of Nigeria”.

    Proprietor of the school and wife of the founder of the home, Pastor Tina Bolanta described the day as a very special one, saying, “Mercy Home Primary School started 10 years ago with the principal as the only teacher in all the classes. With all her hard work and dedication, we started with children from the orphanage and grew till we now have over 200 children and 72 in the secondary school. We thank God for his faithfulness. It is by God’s grace that we have come this far. However, as we celebrate, let us reflect on God faithfulness this past 10 years. Appreciate t.he sacrifice and to teach the children. Some of you have taken it as a sacrifice to teach the children and pray that God blesses you. As you invest in their life, we pray that God will bless you. As you make the sacrifice, God will take care of your personal needs”.

    Part of events marking the 10th anniversary of the school was the foundation laying ceremony of the two story secondary school block by the President of Mercy Home Orphanage, Rev. Tunde Bolanta.

  • Coolworld employees donate building to orphanage

    As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, staffers of Coolworld Electrical Retail Stores have presented a building block to Lagos-based orphanage, Heritage Homes.

    Under the banner of Inner Hearts, employees of the store which is a subsidiary of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc pooled resources from their salary to erect the two room structure.

    The ceremony, which held at the Anthony, Lagos premises of the orphanage home was witnessed by officials and staff members of Coolworld and PZ Cussons who were warmly received by the General Manager of Heritage Homes, Mrs Olakitan Osuntokun.

    Just before the cutting of the ribbon to declare the building open, Corporate Affairs/ Admin Director, PZ Cussons Nig Plc Yomi Ifaturoti, acknowledged that a need for the building had been long overdue.

    “God has commanded us to look out for our neighbours and this is our own way of giving back to the society. We make this presentation on behalf of Inner Hearts made up of staff of Cool World,” Ifaturoti said.

    Also, Managing Director of the Stores Olugbenga Kolawole, said that the project which began in September last year, took about 10 months and cost N700, 000. According to him, “To task ourselves over a nine months period to continually give and establish something that would stand the test of time was a key driver for all of us. This would not be a one-off donation because we have decided to stand with Heritage Homes.”

    Kolawole who commended his staff hopes that the humanitarian gesture would inspire other Nigerians. Said he: “People should stop seeing CSR as a company driven initiative but from the hearts of people. Within any household company, if the staff members come together they can achieve a lot together. At first, the project looked huge but guess what? We are here today and are proud of what we have achieved today.”

    Responding to the gesture, Mrs Osuntokun, who was moved by the act of kindness from the donors was full of praise for them.

    “I feel very happy and not just myself but the whole management. When they first visited us, they realised our need and we are all witnesses of what is happening today.”

    Heritage Homes, Anthony which was founded by popular Lagos Christian leader, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo now caters for over 40 children between zero to three years. However, Osuntokun says that many more support like that of members of staff of Coolworld Retail Stores would ease the burden.

    Aside the cost challenge of running the home, she also made a strong appeal to Government on electricity supply.

    “We have challenges with PHCN and we have gone to them to help us with the exorbitant bills and nothing has been done so far. We hope that Government would be touched by the plights of these children and do something drastic.”

  • Students donate to orphanage

    Students donate to orphanage

    To cater for the less privileged in the society, a students’ association, Club Luminous of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State,  has donated food stuff and useful materials, including mattress, a standing fan, clothes, stationaries, rechargeable lanterns and wardrobe totalling N150, 000.

    The donation was made to Covenant Orphanage and Welfare Center, Moro in Ife North Local Government Area of the State.

    The organisers said they were moved by the poor plight of the orphans and the environment in which they lived.

    Making the donation on behalf of the members, the President, Ayoola Oladipupo Christopher, 400-Level International Relations, said the need to help the needy made the club to render the gesture.

    He lamented the neglect of orphans in Nigeria, noting that the less privileged required a certain level of attention.

    “As a philanthropic club, we deemed it fit to help the orphans by giving to them what they need,” he added.

    The Vice-president, Ishola Halimat, said the club was a social and philanthropic one, adding that Club luminous was passionate about making positive impact on the society.

    She said the club had planned to expand to other universities across the country to make meaning impact on lives.

    One of the founding members of the club, Bello Caleb, 400-Level Political Science, said the club has embarked on many charity projects since inception.

  • Honeywell donates to orphanage

    Honeywell donates to orphanage

    Honeywell Flour Mills Plc has reiterated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills PLc, Mr Lanre Jaiyeola noted that company would continue to support good cause in the society, especially those that have direct impact on human development.

    He spoke during a visit to some orphanage homes in Lagos where the company donated its products, equipment and cash.  The event also coincided with the Children’s Day celebration where the company sponsored a jolly train ride with children of select schools in Lagos. The train ride, which took off from Ebute Metta Station went through Oshodi, Ikeja, Abule Egba to Ijoko and back to Ebute Metta.

    Jaiyeola who described the trip as a delightful experience for the children, said Honeywell will continue to seize opportunity to make its impact felt in the society, listing such opportunities to include support provided sporting events, entrepreneurship programs, vulnerable groups, etc. “It is our own way of adding value to the people that we believe should have needs within the society, and our own way to alleviate poverty, suffering in the land”, he said.

    Among beneficiaries of latest gestures are the SOS Village, Isolo, Little Saints Orphanage and Bethesda Home for the Blind.

    Executive Director, Marketing, Mr Benson Evbuomwan said: “Every good organisation should have a corporate social responsibility on its objectives because we cannot do anything without the people we are serving. Everything is not just about buying our products, we should also be seeing to be improving the welfare of the people we are serving. We should be giving back to the community and there are so many ways we have been doing that”.

    At the orphanages visited, the founders and administrators were full of praises to Honeywell commending it for the humanitarian gesture, while also listing their areas of needs that require further attention. Common among their challenges include the need for more funding, renovation and building of new structures as well as more support from the government, individuals and corporate organisations.