The Native, a cultural coalition, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the welfare and development of children in care through monthly welfare initiatives and donations.
A delegation from The Native, led by Mr Jethro Annum, President of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), visited Riches Home for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kurudu, Abuja, on behalf of Olalekan Smart, leader of The Native, to mark one year in memory of his mother, the late Mrs Christiana Osunlalu.
“We observed that these young ones, despite not knowing their parents, have shown remarkable resilience and talent,” Annum said. “That is why we are here today, to extend love, care and encouragement in remembrance of our dear mother.”
The Native has pledged to continue supporting the welfare and development of children in care, with plans to construct a befitting hall for the children at Riches Home.
However, Reverend Emmanuel Alaje, co-founder of Riches Home for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, highlighted the challenges faced by orphanages, citing finance as a major impediment. “There are several impediments, challenges, uncountable, especially the issue of finance,” Alaje said. “You know, if money is not made available, necessary projects cannot continue. The welfare of the children will have question marks. Their education, their feeding, all of these bow down to availability of funds.”
Alaje appealed to the government to support orphanages in Nigeria, saying, “In a nutshell, the government should give ear to the cry of the operators of homes and orphanages in Nigeria. As I speak with you now, there is no help from the government, either the federal, state or local government. We exist by the grace of God, people of goodwill, like you have come today.”
During the visit, The Native delegation interacted with the children, donated food items, and held a prayer session in memory of the late Mrs Osunlalu.
