World Orphans Day: COCHIN wants Govt’s commitment, and support for Orphans

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-kilometre awareness walk by orphans to commemorate World Orphans Day (WOD) in Abuja on Saturday.

Ajoku, who described the abandonment of orphans by the 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.

“The government is not interested and they have done nothing for these orphanage children.

“Some of them are in elementary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and are wholly 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 the government to demonstrate commitment in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) slogan of leaving no one behind.

Ms Temitope Adeola, Founder of the Chadash Foundation, emphasized the need for collective involvement in supporting and caring for orphans.

Adeola assured of her foundation’s continuous commitment to addressing the plight of the orphanage, urging all to do the 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 the 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the walk was in preparation for the celebration of World Orphans Day (WOD) coming up on Nov 14.