25 Orphanages Across Nigeria Get N1.2m Donation Each

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Twenty-five orphanages in the country have gotten donation of over N1.2 million each to take care of orphans in their facilities.

The donation was given at the weekend at a high-profile fund raising event to commemorate the 2024 World Orphans Day organised by Chadash Empowerment Foundation founded by Temitope Adeola, the wife of the senator representing Ogun West in the Senate, Solomon Adeola

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, many of the donors are senators and their wives and had in attendance both the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele with the spouse of the founder of the Foundation, Solomon Adeola being the host getting many other senators to the event.

Speaking at the event where ₦1.27 million was raised for each of the 25 orphanage homes present, Mrs. Adeola said the Foundation’s initiative demonstrates the power of collective effort in addressing the needs of marginalized communities, adding that the Foundation’s commitment to supporting orphanages serves as a beacon of hope for those who need it most.

She advocated for a comprehensive institutional framework to support vulnerable orphans in Nigeria, urging
governments at all levels to establish policies and programmes to support these vulnerable individuals.

She said: “Structured institutional framework is essential to provide these children with access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.”

She added that as the number of orphaned children continues to rise, concerns are growing about the decline in child adoption rates, noting that orphanages are facing significant challenges in finding forever homes for these vulnerable children.

Adeola therefore called on the government to intervene with initiatives that support orphaned children, stressing that existing support systems by individuals are inadequate.

She said: “The main challenge we face is the lack of an institutional framework to support orphans, especially those in orphanage homes. We’re trying to encourage the government to establish policies and programmes to support these vulnerable individuals.

“We are offering a gift of ₦200,000 to each of the 29 orphanage homes present here today from across the 36 states. This support will help them with their daily operations and expenses”.

“This substantial donation, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by these orphanages, enabling them to cover daily operational expenses and continue providing essential care to vulnerable children.

“You can visit the orphanages and offer your skills to help them. Whether it’s plumbing, carpentry, or any other skill, they will truly appreciate it.”

Speaking at the, Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, emphasized the transformative power of Chadash Empowerment Foundation, stating that some children who have lost hope can become highly successful in life through such ventures.

He noted that support can come from beyond one’s parents, highlighting the importance of community and altruism.

Izunaso also encouraged others to establish foundations while expressing his support for the current venture.

Also speaking, Senator Ali Ndume, urged the elite and privileged persons to support orphans, widows, and vulnerable persons in the society.

The Borno lawmaker stated that even the holy books urged the privileged people to assist and support the vulnerable in the society.

Ndume applauded Chadash Empowerment Foundation for their initiatives, saying the founder has shown what it means to serve humanity without expecting anything in return.

He said, “I want to congratulate you, Mrs Temitope Adeola, because you have chosen the path of paradise. In both Christian and Muslim religions, any privileged person who cares for orphans, widows, indigents, and the poor is destined for paradise. I pray for you to keep this path so that we will meet in paradise if I manage to get there.”