The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Orphans

  • Association donates to orphanage, prisons

    The Abuja Chapter of the Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru has donated some items to an orphanage, prison and hospital in the FCT.

    Some of the items donated include toiletries, wrappers, cartons of noodle, spaghetti and bags of rice.

    The Chairperson of the association, Dr Kate Nwafor, said the event was part of the body’s corporate social responsibility to society.

    Nwafor said the gesture, done annually, was aimed at reaching out to less-privileged people in society.

    At the Abuja Children’s Home in Karu, she said that the visit was to give the children sense of belonging.

    The association also visited Kuje Prison, where Nwafor urged the inmates to use the opportunity to change their ways and desist from the criminal activities that led to their incarceration.

    “So far you are not dead, God is with you, don’t allow what brought you here to bring you back again,’’ she said.

    In their separate remarks, the Matron of the Abuja Children’s Home, Hajia Olutokun Agbaje and the Assistant Controller of Prison, Mrs Clementina Chukwu, thanked the association for the gesture.

    The matron said that 50 children between the ages of one and 19 were being catered for at the home.

    She solicited help from well-meaning Nigerians for the provision of basic amenities for the children and renovation of the home.

    Also speaking, Chukwu said that the items would be properly utilised.

    The group also visited the Kubwa General Hospital and donated gift items to some patients.

     

     

  • Scholarship for 50 Boko Haram orphans

    Scholarship for 50 Boko Haram orphans

    Some unusual visitors were at the Government House, Maiduguri, the troubled Borno State capital, on Tuesday night.

    Fifty in all, the visitors —Orphans all — were guests of Governor Kashim Shettima, who broke his fast with them.

    They were orphans of Boko Haram victims.

    Besides the fine meal, they bagged all-round sholarship to pursue their education.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communications, Alhaji Isa Gusau, the governor said the scholarship would cut across orphans from both Muslim and Christian homes.

    He promised to also host orphans from Christian homes during Christmas.

    The statement said: “The governor told his guests that they should regard him as their father and that he will do everything within his powers to ensure that they are comfortable and they do not encounter problems in their education.

    “The governor called on the orphans to take education very seriously and be of good behaviours so that they would excel in life.

    “Shettima presented each of them with two types of assorted textile materials, 50 kilogrammes bags of rice and sugar with some cash for sewing of their textiles ahead of the Sallah coming up in few weeks.

    “He called on government officials, wealthy residents and charity organisations to render help to the orphans.

    “The governor who interacted with each of the orphans, asking them of their stories, was moved to tears when a young girl recounted how her father and mother were butchered before her eyes while they were praying in their residence in Budum, Maiduguri.

    “The venue of the Iftar became emotional when one of the invitees told the governor that he had before Tuesday night, given up on life. He thanked Governor Shettima for brining his hope alive.

    “He said his dream is to become an educationist that would touch the lives of others. He offered prayers for God to protect and bless the governor for being kind to them.

    “The caretaker chairman of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Alh. Abdulkadir Rahis, who was part of the Iftar, said his council would come to the aide of the orphans and support them pointing out that it is the first time a governor was breaking fast with that category of people in Borno State.

    “A guardian to two of the orphans, Umar Goni Aji, who gave the vote of thanks, thanked Shettima for coming to their aid and for the concern shown to them despite being low rated members of the society. He prayed for Allah to restore peace in the state.”

  • Corps members celebrate with orphans

    The Charity Community Development Service Group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Oyo State chapter, Ibadan has held a party for orphans and the physically challenged children to mark the Children Day. The event held at Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    The orphanage homes present at the event included Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, FOMWAN Orphanage Home, Mercy of God Orphanage, Winners Castle Orphanage Home, and Kings Kid Children Village, all in Ibadan.

    The excited children were treated to sumptuous meals as they also participated in different games and contest.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Rotimi Salawu, the Head of Department, Community Development Service of NYSC, reiterated the need to show love to the less privileged in the society. He decried the lack of attention towards the plight of the physically challenged children. He enjoined the operators of orphanage homes across the state not to relent in their effort in providing adequate care for the children under their care.

    Also, Pastor Ololade Adamolekun of Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE after the event, lamented the rate at which people abandon children not minding the danger they could be exposed to. She said: “We have to refer abandoned children to other orphanage homes due to the large number we are dealing with.”

  • Student donates to orphans

    As part of activities to mark his birthday, Joel Adeniyi, 400-Level part time student of Criminology and Social Work, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has donated materials to Grace Orphanage home in Akure, Ondo State.

    The donation was made in collaboration with Minds and Moments Initiative, a students’ group, which comprised undergraduates spread across Ondo and Ekiti states.

    Food items and tissue papers were donated to orphans in the home, while the celebrant cut his birthday with the motherless children.

    Speaking on the rationale behind the gesture, Joel cited biblical reference in James 1:27, which obligated people to look after orphans and widows.

    He said; “The orphans are special set of people not to be forgotten in our world today. They are also created by God but fell victim to circumstances beyond their control. They have future and they are also leaders of tomorrow. Many of them have grown up to be great personalities in life. They also have right to live. Therefore, they deserve to be remembered and catered for. They deserve to be given sense of belonging and not to be neglected.”

    Official of the orphanage home, who simply identified herself as Miss Ruth, who received Joel and his colleagues, said words alone would not be enough to appreciate the celebrant’s gesture towards the children. She challenged youths and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture.

     

  • Wiping the tears of widows, orphans

    Wiping the tears of widows, orphans

    As part of activities marking the fifth anniversary of The Rose of Sharon Foundation, a book entitled The Cry of Widows and Orphans, which chronicles the travails of widows and orphans in the country will be presented to the public on May 31 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA) Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The book, according to the author, Mrs Folorunso Alakija is to create more awareness on the plights of widows and orphans with a view to directing attention of policy makers to these social issues.

    The First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, the Grand Matron of the foundation and chief hostess of the presentation will host the widows and orphans empowered to date at a luncheon on Saturday June 1.

    Speaking at a preview session in Lagos, Mrs Alakija said the anniversary is focusing on advocacy and awareness of the many challenges widows and orphans face. She noted that the book would sensitise the world about these forgotten members of society. “This is to achieve a milestone plan we earmarked five years ago and to push for national and international legislations worldwide,” she said.

    According to her, the book will serve as a medium of appeal to all stakeholders and concerned human beings to join the movement that will first establish a legislative framework as well as become part of the enforcement/implementation programmes to alleviate the challenges.

    She stressed that the foundation is focusing on alleviating the plight of widows and orphans adding that ‘we do so through the design and execution of programmes that give financial independence and educational opportunities to widows, their children and orphans.’

    She lamented that there are no specific policies targeted at widows and orphans to address their challenges, adding that in spite of the economic, emotional and psychological problems associated with widowhood practices in many Nigerian, African other developing societies, what exists is a number of gender policies at local, national and international levels that address gender inequality and discrimination among women. She noted that existing legislation is often silent on widows’ rights.

    “On the other hand, orphans are vulnerable children who have been exposed to various ills and negative influences within the society as a result of lack of parental care. They deserve the attention, love and support of the various individuals, government, non-governmental agencies, the Church and the entire society at large. With the loss of both parents these orphans are subjected to life without biologically generated love.

    “They are traumatised, ignored and relegated to the background. Their opportunities for continued education often gets severed suddenly and many end up on the streets where life becomes unbearable to the extent that some become beggars and/or prostitutes to mention just a few,” she said. Alakija said these traumatic experiences that bereaved widows and orphans pass through show that little or no importance is placed on relieving their plight.

    What started with three widows in May 2008 as Rose of Sharon Foundation has today grown into a network of almost a thousand widows. Since inception, the foundation which was founded by Foluso Alakija, has empowered 970 widows – 11 of whom are in university, awarded scholarships to 1,366 widow’s children and 72 orphans. The loans to widows are interest free and the scholarships have no conditions attached. It has also provided accommodation for residential/business purposes for 82 widows. Moreover, the foundation has provided some free health care checkups and free legal services to the widows with the support of other agencies.

     

  • NGO gives reliefs to orphans in FCT

    An Abuja-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, yesterday presented gifts to orphans at St. Mary’s Home for Orphans and Destitute in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The gesture, the foundation said, was part of the Easter celebration and to show love to the less privileged in the society.

    President of the foundation Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu said Easter is meant for the demonstration of “unparalleled love to fellow humans, as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, especially for the needy in the society”.

    She added: “If Christians all over the world celebrate Easter to mark the death and resurrection of Christ, then there is no better day to demonstrate love to our fellow humans than Easter. This is because Christ died for our sins so that we can have live in abundance.”

    Mrs. Ahmadu said Helpline Foundation would continue its reach-out programmes for orphans and widows.

    According to her, this year’s Easter celebration with orphans in Gwagwalada is one of the events lined up for the needy in the society.

    In a lecture, entitled: Character Development, Mrs Ahmadu noted that character development is crucial to everybody’s life.

    The foundation chief urged the children of the home to build their lives on good character.

    She said: “Our character informs us, defines who we are before our audience and determines how far we can go in life.

    “God Almighty, who is the Creator of everyone here, has interest in developing our character when he says, ‘Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God’.

    “This means when you make peace among one another and wherever you are, you shall be called the children of God.

    “Wherever we find ourselves in life, whatsoever the circumstance, let us be determined to build a good character.”

    Mrs Ahmadu advised the children to imbibe the virtues of honesty, respect for the elderly, self-control and diligence.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, the home’s Coordinator, Sister Josephine Nnwaogugu, thanked the foundation for showing love to the needy.

    The cleric urged other individuals and organisations to emulate Helpline Foundation’s gesture.

    The high point of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake of Master Paschal Chinemerem Okereke, who was a year old, with other orphans in the home.

  • Association caters for widows, orphans

    Association caters for widows, orphans

    The Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) has assured that it will adequately cater and protect widows and orphans of naval officers.

    President of the association, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba, who was in Calabar on a familiarisation visit to NOWA facilities said: “Some of our members who are widows will receive appropriate attention. Measures have been put in place to ensure that they are adequately protected and catered for.

    “I want to ensure that widows and orphans among us are taken care of. These children are intelligent but have nobody to pay their way to school.”

    She said her priority was to ensure that members of the association acquire necessary skills to help them in their endeavours.

    Ezeoba, who was at the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, said that plans were already on to set up acquisition centres for the less-privileged ones among them.

    “I am interested in setting up skills acquisition centres for members to help them acquire the necessary skills for their endeavours as this will empower them and further boost their economy well-being,” she said.

    Responding, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Joseph Aikhomu said that the command was ready to support the activities of NOWA.

    Aikhomu said the command was doing its best to ensure the safety of the maritime environment within Calabar and other states under the it.

  • Martins celebrates Xmas with orphans, mothers

    Martins celebrates Xmas with orphans, mothers

    Levante striker Obafemi Martins will spend the Christmas with visits to hospitals and orphanages in Lagos. ‘Obagoal’ will on behalf of his foundation give away gifts to three hospitals and orphanages.

    A representative of the player told MTNFootball.com: “Martins will stage a charity event for new mothers and their babies. He will hand out donations and also pay the bills for the mothers who can’t afford to do so.”

    Meanwhile, Levante fans are thrilled Martins will stay back at the Spanish club after he was not called up by Nigeria for the Nations Cup in South Africa.

    The fans are delighted the 28-year-old striker will not miss any of the games in their La Liga campaign come the New Year.

    Martins has been integral part of Levante after he scored six goals in 13 League matches with the club now sixth on the table.

  • Corps member marks birthday with orphans

    Corps member marks birthday with orphans

    A  Batch “B’ Corps member, Miss Aishat Abdulkadir, serving in Awka South Local Government, Anambra State, marked her 26th birthday with orphans in the Ministry of Women Affairs in the state.

    The ceremony was held last Sunday.

    Aishat visited the orphanage home in company of her colleagues at about 12 noon. The kids were cheerful as they received them.

    Aisha told CAMPUSLIFE: “We must all show the orphans our kind heart with a view to make them not to think about their predicament because of not being with their biological parents. I have deep concern for the abandoned and the neglected in the society. I believe as we are reaching out to communities through our services as Corps members, we should also reach out to this special class of people. They are part of the society and we must treat them as one.”

    The Ahmadu Bello University graduate of Geography said she hoped to build an orphanage home in the future, saying: “we have to put in our best to make lives worth living for the orphans. “

    On the reasons why she marked her birthday with the motherless children, Aishat said: “I have passion for children and I love attending to the abandoned children. Anytime I see children, I just want to be around them.”

    She also counselled parents to educate their daughters on the importance and honour of motherhood and the benefits of caring for their offspring. She said if a girl-child was properly mentored, she would not get unwanted pregnancy or be tempted to abandon her baby.

    Aishat cut cake with children and donated domestic materials to the orphans. In appreciation, the children sang and pray for long life for the celebrator. Earlier, Aishat visited hospitals to pray for the sick.

     

  • Durella, Denrele, W4, others speak on concert for Youths and Orphans

    Durella, Denrele, W4, others speak on concert for Youths and Orphans

    CHANNEL O presenter, Denrele Edun, Kontrol crooner, W4 and the King of the Zanga, Durella, have opened up on the upcoming 2-in-1 musical concert for youths and orphans scheduled for Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the popular Fountain Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

    Denrele said of the upcoming event; “I will be there to entertain people as usual, these people need our love and care, let’s not deny them.” Adding his voice to his fellow entertainer’s, Durella went on to say that “the Zanga will be hot that day as I intend rocking the stage for all the youths present.” In the words of W4 ”I will be there to give my all as usual and also to show love.”

    Other stars billed to perform at the concert include Rayce, Tipsy, AY.com, Jboy, and Mudina.

    The concert is being packaged by Kittens Promotions in conjunction with Ozone 03 Media. Kittens Promotion is managed by Damilola Adegbuyi, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.

    As part of activities designed for the event, Kittens Promotion, it is said, will visit some of the orphanage homes and present gift items to them. The kids with talent in entertainment will be put on scholarship to further harness their skills. Organisations that have thrown their weight behind the concert include Soundcity, City People, Ozone 03 Media and others.