The Chadash Empowerment Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated N200,000 each to 29 orphanage homes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), totaling N5.8 million
The Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Temitope Adeola, stated this at the organisation’s 2024 World Orphans Day event, held in honor of orphans in the FCT on Saturday in Abuja.
She said the donation aimed to alleviate the plights of orphans in the country.
Adeola stated that the initiative had grown from supporting 25 orphanages last year to assisting 30 this year, with quarterly donations of food and other necessities.
She explained that the initiative was born out of her desire in 2018 to help widows and orphans.
“The Foundation has also constructed a new two-bedroom flat for Maranata orphanage, replacing an old, damaged building in the FCT.”
Adeola encouraged individuals to support orphanages in various ways, including financial contributions, medical aid, and offering skills like plumbing or carpentry.
She emphasised that the donation was intended to help with the day-to-day running of the orphanages.
The philanthropist also highlighted the need for medical support for sick children and called on doctors to volunteer their services.
She identified the lack of an institutional framework to support orphanages as a major challenge.
She, therefore, called for government intervention to provide financial assistance and find solutions for children who are not being adopted.
Adeola suggested that the government should subsidise education and provide employment opportunities for orphans.
She thanked everyone for their support, emphasising that it would positively impact the orphanages.
Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, commended the foundation for the initiative and stated that the ministry would continue to support such laudable initiatives.
Highlights of the event included a road walk, cash donations, wheelchair presentations, and performances by Christ Bethel Orphanage and Eaqraa Orphanage homes. (NAN)