ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to the welfare of orphaned children, the Chadash Foundation has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art orphanage for the JSK community, with an investment of approximately N403million.
The founder and chairperson of the Foundation, Mrs Temitope Adeola, the wife of the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), anounced the groundbreaking initiative in her opening remarks on Saturday in Abuja as the Foundation hosted 29 orphanages as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 World Orphans Day.
Recalls that the World Orphan Day is celebrated on the 13th of November every year, however, Chadash foundation hosted the orphans and appreciated the homes with N1.7m each with support from the leader of the 10th senate, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Olamilekan Adeola (her husband).
According to Mrs Temitope, “the Foundation aims to improve the lives and welfare of all the marginalised group through vocational training, provision of quality nutrition and sustainable means of livelihood. Over the years, we have sunk water borehole at one orphanage and also assisted in buying a plot of land to one orphanage home. We have donated laptops, trained and empowered 3000 widows in Ogun state and FCT. We have supported over 20 orphanages by providing skill acquisition and also empowering 50 orphans through our skill acquisition programme tagged: “Youth Awake Summer.”
“Over the years, we have donated over N25million as financial support to 13 orphanage homes in FCT and Nasarawa. Let me humbly put it on record that we are the pioneer of “World Orphan Day” in Abuja.”
“Today, I stand before you to speak about the sublect that weighs heavily on our heart as a Foundation – the plights of orphans. Each of these children carries a story of loss, resilience and unyeilding hope. They are silent witness to life’s harsh realities yet they also embody the strength of our human spirit. Imagine for a moment a child who wakes up everyday without comforting presence of parents or navigates the world with no one to reallt love, secure, and also grant that child job. These children often face unimaginable challenges, hunger, lack education and also absence of safe home. Yet in their eyes you can see flickens of hope, joy, desire to dream and see that they strive everyday to.be their best.”
She therefore called for a change in attitude towards orphans in the society, stressing that Nigeria has over 17million orphan children due to poverty, banditry, communal clashes and other unforseen circumstances. This figure is the population of six countries put together – Boswana, Gambia, Jamaica, Katar, Kuwait and Cyprus. Mrs Temitope charges all not to turn blind eye, but to provide and support their need either through education, healthcare or simply by showing them that they are not alone. Adding that every small act of kindness can light their world.
“Therefore let us unite in our efforts to raise awareness and mobilise support for these vulnerable children, let us be moved to action, invest in their future, advocate for their right and build a better world for these children.
In his address, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by his Deputy Jibrin Barau assured the founder of CHADASH Foundation, Mrs Adeola of the full support of the 10th senate, adding that her passion for humanity is something else, as such right thinking Nigerians would have no option than to support her to keep touching lives.
In his words, “what you are doing is amazing. You have answered the call of God because orphans, the widows and other less privileged ones need to be taken care of, and you are doing that already. Your reward will not only be on earth but heaven too.”
Earlier in his brief remarks, Senator Ali Ndume eulogised Mrs Adeola for choosing the part of God, saying that for what her foundation is doing to the orphans, her reward awaits her in heaven.
“The holy books of both the Bible and Quran beleive three things namely, that there is only one God, recognised paradise and hell and those who are doing what you are doing to the less privileged ones simply means you have chosen the part of paradise. And I hope to meet you in paradise if I manage to get there too.” Ndume said.
The former leader of the Senate and immediate past Chief Whip of the 10th senate used the occasion to call on other Nigerians to copy what Mrs Adeola is doing and make Nigeria a better place for all.
The Special Guest of Honour, Senator Barau Jubrin, the Deputy Senate President who represented the Senate President as well as the whole Senate commended Mrs Adeola for deeming it fit to be a humanitarian in an area back by the scripture of all major religions.
He said the is not surprise at her interest and passion for the orphans as her husband Senator Adeola is a good and compassionate man who gives his best to any endeavor he is involved in.
Also, the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola was full of praise for those who find time to join CHADASH foundation in celebrating the orphans.
He specifically thanked those who contributed in support of the foundation in its quest to keep reaching out to the downtrodden in the society. Adding that CHADASH will keep giving back to the society.
In a show of solidarity , other dignitaries who took their turn to talk, commended the founder of the Foundation for her service to humanity.
Dignitaries who graced ocassion are; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Sani Musa, Senator Natasha Akpoti, Senator Sunday Karimi, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Neda, Sen Amos Yohana, Sen Ali Ndume, Sen Sani Musa, Minister of State for Health Dr. Isiaq Salako, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire. Others are Sen Ali Sherafadeen, Sen Darlighton Nwokocha, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security represented by his wife, Hajia Bilikisi and minister of State for Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, Deputy Governor of Bauchi state Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, and Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi among others.
The 2024 World Orphan Day was celebrated with a 1km advocacy walk, items donations, talent hunt, exhibition of manufactured products of orphanages for sale and bonding session with the orphans.
Over N200 million in cash and cheques was raised on the spot from donations with Senator Barau pledging that between the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, himself, Senator Bamidele and Senator Adeola, the balance for the building project will be provided. He made a personal donation of N20million.
World Orphan Day is celebrated every November 13th to raise awareness on orphans plight and proffers ways to resolving them.
