Nigerian Government Announces Plans To Revamp Orphanages In Abuja

The Nigerian government has announced plans to revamp orphanages in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing them up to international standards.

Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated this at an event in Abuja commemorating International Orphanage Day at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place Parish, titled “The Balm in Gilead”.

She said: “In a bid to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities, the Secretariat has launched a comprehensive initiative. The project aims to redefine and upscale the services provided by orphanages across the FCT.”

Key components of the initiative include a thorough review of existing orphanages by a ministerial committee, focusing on recertification and adoption processes within the city. Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated this at an event in Abuja commemorating International Orphanage Day at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place Parish, titled “The Balm in Gilead”.

She said, “The overarching goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children. This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The initiative seeks to enhance institutional reforms within the FCT administration, prioritizing sectors such as education, health, nutrition, and socioeconomic development. The aim is to establish a new standard of engagement between government entities and NGOs operating in the realm of child welfare”, she explained.

Through these concerted efforts, the FCT aims to provide a more supportive and nurturing environment for orphaned children, ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded effectively.

Funke Olorungbami, who was the convener of the event and the founder of Hospital, Orphanage and Prison Evangelism-HOPE Ministry said the event is also targeted at creating awareness for the need for Nigerians to be more deliberate in their show of love to the orphans in the country especially emotionally.

While praising the carers and managers of orphanages, she urged the government to demonstrate more empathy for the children and promote policies that would help them improve their standard of living.

“Today we have medical awareness, we have a healing therapy for the children and Bible distribution for them because we believe the word of God does a better cleansing”, she said.

The Pastor of the Lord’s Place Parish, RCCG, Wuse 2, Pastor Ola Omosebi, stressed the need to continually project hope to children in orphanages across the country so they could have a sense of belonging.

“Being in those orphanage homes alone is secluded. These children need exposure and it’s okay for us to have gatherings like this where they will socialise”, he added.

In her remarks, the Director and founder of Facado Orphanage, Mrs Ngozi Judge,, lamented poor funding for the orphanage homes. She urged government and charitable Nigerians to help support the welfare of children in orphanage homes.

“People donate food stuff like rice and beans but that’s not enough to make a meal. When we go to the market, the high cost of things makes it very difficult for us to get enough. “We need help with their education, feeding, and health,” she added.