Ogoni activists cum philanthropist, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, has called Rivers and other states, including the federal government to give more attention to orphanage homes by increasing budgetary allocation and monthly subvention to them.
The Ogoni activist made the call when he visited The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul, De Marillac Centre (Hope for Street Children), Mile one, Diobu, Port Harcourt, as part of activities to mark his birthday, today.
Oscar who is also the President of South-South Youths Initiative, highlighted that it had become difficult to maintain such homes by solely depending on private donations due to the rising cost of living, hence the call.
“Many homes are struggling to feed, clothe and educate these children due to rising cost of living.
“As I mark my birthday today and embark on my Annual Orphanage Home Visitation, I choose to use this day not just to celebrate, but to lend a voice to the voiceless – the motherless and vulnerable children living in orphanage homes across the South-South and Nigeria at large.
“Today, I have seen first-hand the smiles on their faces, but behind those smiles are untold stories of abandonment, lack, and neglect. I have seen their strength, their hope, and their desire to live and become great despite having no mother, no father, and in many cases, no one to call their own.
“On behalf of these innocent children, I make this passionate appeal to Government at all levels:*
“Government should increase budgetary allocation and monthly subvention to registered orphanage homes.
“Every motherless child should be entitled to free education from primary to tertiary level and free access to healthcare. They did not choose to be orphans; the State must become their parent.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare should strengthen its monitoring mechanism to ensure standards, while also supporting genuine orphanage operators who are doing noble work with little or no support.
“Government should create a special welfare scheme and future empowerment plan for orphans who age out of the homes, so they do not become street youths or tools in the hands of criminals.
“Celebrating my birthday with these children today has reminded me that true leadership is service to humanity. While I will continue to do my little part through my annual visitation with food items, educational materials and other relief items, I cannot do it alone. Government has a constitutional duty to protect the life and welfare of every citizen, including these little ones.
“I therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments in the South-South, well-meaning individuals, NGOs and corporate bodies to remember the motherless babies in our orphanage homes. Let us give them hope, let us give them a future.
“To all the children I met today – you are not forgotten. You are loved, you are precious, and you will become great”, he said.
