Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo yesterday made a case for orphans in the country saying they needed spaces to grow, thrive and meet their physiological needs
He said this at the inauguration of a charity and social development centre called Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo state capital.
The orphanage was built by a philanthropist, Dr Tolulola Bayode who hails from Ondo State.
At the inauguration ceremony, VP Osinbajo called for the assistance of orphans across the country, saying there is a need to serve humanity.
Osinbajo noted that being an orphan does not determine the greatness of a child’s future. He said many great men in Nigeria and the world are orphans, hence the need to help children in the orphanage.
According to him, the number of widows and orphans in Nigeria has increased due to insecurity issues such as violence and clashes in many parts of the country.
Osinbajo said, “We are confronted with a huge challenge. In 2015, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development estimated that there were about 17.5 million orphans and vulnerable children in a nation of about 200 million people. That is close to nine per cent of the population. Sadly, this number has increased over the years due to violence, conflicts, communal clashes in different parts of the country.
“There is a large number of widows and vulnerable women and again due to conflicts in different parts of the country, the number has grown. Millions of orphaned children need spaces to grow and to thrive and ensure that their physiological needs are met, a place where they are cared for and trained. The women after harrowing situations also need spaces where they can begin to rebuild; that is why places like Dorian Home initiatives are needed.”
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu described the initiative as unique noting that his government will continue to partner with individuals and corporate organizations in complementing the state government community projects.
Speaking through his deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa said that the home would open several windows of opportunities for the people of the state.
Akeredolu said that the humanitarian project “would complement the good agenda of his administration .
He added that the Dorian Home “would have the total support of the Ondo State Government.”
The founder of the humanitarian centre, Dr Tolulola Bayode, explained that the state-of-the-art building would accommodate motherless babies, games, a dining hall, a decent kitchen, women training hall among other features to develop the skills of the orphans in the home. Dorian Home is located in KM 4 Idanre Road, 340283, Idanre, Ondo State.
The women after harrowing experience also need spaces where they can begin to rebuild, that is why places like Dorian Home initiatives are needed.”
He however, said government alone cannot solve this society’s biggest problems but require stakeholders attention and resources to support the orphans and vulnerable children who have lost one or both parents.
Osinbajo commended the initiative of the founder and President of the Dorian Homes, Dr Tolulola Bayode, saying such initiatives will expose orphans and women to better care and the world will be a better place for them.
He said “some of the greatest names of our time which include, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Ella Fitzgerald, Leo Tolstoy, Louis Armstrong, and Steve Jobs among others grew up as orphans, and they changed history.
The founder of the orphanage, Bayode said that she was motivated by her parents and two experiences that changed her orientation and mindset towards rendering social services to humanity.
Present at the inauguration of the orphanage include traditional rulers, ministers, National Assembly members, state lawmakers and other personalities across the country
Some of the features of Dorian Home include:
700 homes for children
500 capacity skill acquisition centre for women empowerment.
Large hall for events
Modern clinic and
A worship centre.
The Orphanage Home is 100metres Length.
