Lagos, Nigeria – Child protection activists gathered in Lagos on Tuesday to mark World Orphans Day with a passionate plea for an accessible budget to safeguard the future of orphans in Nigeria.
The event, organized by the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), took place at the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation Teens Hall, located at The Fountain of Life Church.
World Orphans Day, celebrated on the second Monday of November each year in the United States, is a day dedicated to honoring the lives of orphans and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
This year’s theme, “Securing a Brighter Future for Orphans,” resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to improve the living conditions and future prospects of orphaned children.
Aderonke Oyelakin, the Public Relations Officer for ASOHON and Executive Coordinator of the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, addressed the audience, stressing that every child, particularly orphans, deserves equal care, opportunities, and protection.
“Today, we celebrate millions of young children who face hardships due to the loss of one or both parents,” Oyelakin remarked. “These children are entitled to the same opportunities as other children, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they receive the care they deserve.”
Oyelakin underscored the precarious situation faced by orphans in Nigeria, particularly in light of the country’s challenging economic climate. Many orphanages and care facilities are struggling to provide adequate food, medical care, and overall support to vulnerable children.
According to Oyelakin, malnutrition and insufficient healthcare are common issues in orphanages, which continue to affect the well-being of these children.
“The economic challenges in the country have compounded the issues facing orphaned children,” Oyelakin continued.
“We are witnessing an increasing number of children suffering from malnutrition and lack of medical care because of the limited resources available to orphanages. This situation must change. We need to prioritize the living conditions of orphans to ensure they have access to the basic needs for survival and development.”
The event also featured various advocacy speeches, discussions, and calls to action, urging both Nigerian citizens and international organizations to do more for orphans.
Activists emphasized that orphans need not only food and shelter but also the opportunity for education, emotional support, and a nurturing environment that fosters their future potential.
“Let us raise our voices for the voiceless and take the necessary steps to create an environment where orphans feel safe, loved, and cared for,” said one of the speakers.
“By working together, we can create a sustainable and supportive future for orphans, providing them with the tools to thrive.”
As the day progressed, attendees also discussed potential collaborations between orphanages, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to increase funding and streamline support for orphaned children across Nigeria.
They called for the inclusion of specific budgets in government plans, which would ensure that resources are allocated to improve the living standards of orphans in care facilities.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to advocating for orphans’ rights, promising a concerted effort to improve their lives in the face of many challenges.
With the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, the hope remains that Nigerian society will place orphans at the heart of its development agenda, ensuring they have the support and care they deserve.
