NGO seeks support for orphans, vulnerable children

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, an organisation supporting vulnerable children, has called for stronger partnerships and focused action to address the challenges facing Nigerian children, especially orphans.

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The Fund Development Manager of the organisation, Thelma Ojelabi, made this call during the commemoration of World Development Information Day on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Ojelabi, the day, celebrated every October 24, aims to raise awareness about development issues and the importance of sustainable progress.

She revealed that this year’s commemoration revealed that Nigeria has 17.5 million orphans out of the 153 million globally, accounting for 11.6 per cent of the world’s orphan population.

Ojelabi stressed the need to protect and support these children, many of whom live in vulnerable conditions with little to no support.

“SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria calls for immediate and meaningful collaborations that can nurture and transform the futures of these children,” Ojelabi said.

She cited the recent floods in Borno as an example, noting that many children displaced by the floods are eager to return home.

“This proves that a single incident can lead to severe hardships for children, ranging from loss of livelihood to being out of school, exposure to violence, and poor health and nutrition,” she added.

Ojelabi lamented that many Nigerian children are facing these challenges due to various unfortunate circumstances.

She noted that addressing these issues requires a united front and effective collaborations.

“SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria is calling for increased attention to the pressing development issues affecting children and communities across the nation.

“As an organisation, we remain committed to providing family-like care, empowering caregivers, delivering quality education, and offering holistic support to vulnerable children”.

She urged that, as the world commemorates this day, it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent children from being plunged into devastating situations and to work towards sustainable development for a brighter future.

Ojelabi also announced the inauguration of a campaign called SOS FRIENDS, aimed at mobilising stakeholders to advocate for children and contribute financially to strategic programmes.

“The campaign encourages Nigerians to support their fellow citizens, with a focus on addressing the needs of children.

“Becoming an SOS FRIEND offers the opportunity to create lasting change for Nigeria’s children through donations, volunteering, and advocacy, ensuring no child is left behind,” she said.

NAN/wumi