Coalition of Orphanages and Children’s Homes in Nigeria (COCHIN), has called on government at all levels to show commitment and support to address the plight of orphans in Nigeria.
Sen. Eze Ajoku, President of the coalition, made the call during a one-kilometer awareness walk by orphans to commemorate World Orphans Day (WOD) in Abuja on Saturday.
Ajoku, who descried the abandonment of orphans by government at all levels, said that orphans in Nigeria are forgotten.
“In Nigeria, orphans have become Nigerian forgotten children, no one else is interested in the orphans especially those in the orphanages except the orphanage owners.
“Government is not interested and they have done nothing for these orphanage children.
“Some of them are in Elementary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions and are wholly being sponsored by the orphanage owners,” he said.
The COCHIN boss expressed worry over the burden of these children, saying that they are indeed Nigerian children.
He reiterated calls on government to demonstrate commitment in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) slogan of leaving no one behind.
Ms Temitope Adeola, Founder of Chadash Foundation, emphasized the need for collective involvement in the support and care of orphans.
Adeola assured of her foundation’s continuous commitment to address the plight of the orphanage, urging all to do same.
“We need to support these kids and we can support them financially, in kind and any way we can to help them.”
One of the orphans, Miracle Patrick, reinforced the call on government to support them which she said is necessary in helping them achieve their life dreams.
Patrick who nursed the ambition of being a Nollywood Actress in future, commended Sen Ajoku and other persons for their support.
The walk was in preparation for the celebration of the World Orphans Day (WOD) coming up on November 14.
