According to the UNICEF State of the World Children Reports, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) make up over 10 million children in Nigeria as far back as 2013. Many orphanage homes in the country are stretched thin to adequately take care of the increasing number of orphans, creating a challenge to provide sufficient amenities – food, education, health, and clothing for them. Yet, there are still the children’s psychological needs – love, affection and building their self-esteem.
To alleviate some of those challenges while fulfilling its objectives of empowering Nigerians, MTN Foundation recently embarked on an orphanage visitation across Nigeria. Some of the orphanages include Babs Es Salam Home, Little Saints Orphanage, Bales of Mercy Orphanage, Arrow of God Orphanage and the Centre for Destitute Empowerment International, Lagos.
In Abuja, Wife of former Head of State, Hon. Justice Fati Abubakar, visited the Halal Children’s Home with members of the MTN Foundation on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. In the same vein, the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde led the delegation including Odunaya Sanya, Acting Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, to the Juvenile Correctional Institution/Childcare Unit, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, January 17, 2020. During each visit, the Foundation donated food and household items to assist in caring for the children. The looks of glee and happiness on the faces of the orphanage managers was priceless! “We are really grateful!” Hephzibah Itimi, Manager of the Love Home Orphanage, Magodo, Lagos, shared excitedly.
Itimi, a lawyer, also explained that she began volunteering at the Orphanage in 2007 and her biggest joy has been “watching the children get better and empowered!” She admitted that over the years, one of the hardest things for these children has been grappling with the fact that they were abandoned by people. “The challenge for them would be dealing with the fact that they are in an orphanage.” Itimi disclosed that the interventions by the Foundation would benefit the children, not just in the short-term but also in shaping their individual dreams, aspirations, and mindset towards other people. Through the donation by the MTN Foundation, the children also get to learn the importance of giving which is essential in building responsible citizens. They learn to become compassionate and create an aura of responsibility in their choices.