Three hundred vulnerable children and orphans received a lifeline to live better lives on Monday, by virtue of the Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation (OOAF).
The children, mostly orphans from ages 2 – 14, were treated to a colourful Christmas/New Year party at Muri Okunola Gardens on Victoria Island, Lagos, where they also met with their adoptive parents.
Mrs Kemi Sokenu-Morris, the Chief Executive Officer of OOAF told Newsmakers the importance of the event.
She said, “What we did was to get donors for the 300 vulnerable children for educational materials, PTA fees, child support, recreational support, welfare, health and sanitation. The event brought our donors to meet these children for the first time. These children are meeting with the men and women sponsoring them.”
Asked how OOAF got the children, Mrs Sokenu-Morris said, “There are data on these children and we also work with other NGOs and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Our selection criteria are based on children who are head of household. There are children as young as six years old that are the breadwinners in their families; others are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and they live with care-givers. Some other children are trafficked victims. We have children as young as 11 years old who were being used as sex slaves.”
On the need to support vulnerable children, Chief Kenny Martins, who is a donor and stakeholder said all hands must be on deck to fight against poverty and maltreatment of children.
Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu suffered some form of disability but, by the grace of God, he survived it and he is thriving; so he can identify with these children. There has to be those who will step back and look at what the society lacks and give back. Nothing is too small.
He said, “Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu suffered some form of disability but, by the grace of God, he survived it and he is thriving; so he can identify with these children. There has to be those who will step back and look at what the society lacks and give back. Nothing is too small. Even America the richest country has the biggest donors. Therefore Nigerians should cultivate the habit of giving. In my case I have two adoptive children and I plan to take up more.”
Another donor, Mr. Abimbola Afolabi, said that charity should become a culture in Nigeria “as it is a way of receiving blessings from God”.
He said, “Charity is the closest thing to do to get the heart of the almighty. All children are not privileged. I believe in giving to children in your mile. Start from people in your area which I call people in your half mile. And if God blesses you to go further, then do not hesitate. I have one adoptive child, but I planned to take 10 more before the end of the year. Since I started giving to these children, God has been faithful to my own children, so I encourage people to give “.
The children and their caregivers expressed appreciation to the Foundation and the donors for the party.
Gifts, such as bicycles, educational and health materials were given to the children while the adoptive parents received certificates for their donations to OOAF http://www.ooafoundation.org.
