Though nothing tells them apart from the other children; they appeared prim and well groomed,ย but with each child comes a sad tale- they areย from the motherless babies homes.
These kids are products of abandonment, sexual molestation, child abuse, mothers with mental health issues, etcetera.
And, just like the sad movie that makes one cries, Iย fought back emotions as the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Asiat Ayinke Saka with my colleagues and I in two,ย introduced each child, telling their individual touching stories. Most pathetic is the heart wrenching story of a girl who was rescued and rehabilitated following sexual abuse by her biological father for six years. According to the commissioner, the ministry facilitated the arrest and prosecution of the randy father, who is now cooling his heels behind bars.
The event was the New Year Party organised by the First Lady, Mrs. Ahmed Omolewa, in collaboration with theย ministry,ย held at the state Secretariat, Ilorin over the weekend.
Nonetheless, this category of children who were not in anyway relegated to the background at the event, participated actively at the programme to the delight of all. People were mesmerised by the tingly resonating voice and mastery of Qur’anic verses by one of them; a teenage girl, who offered the opening prayer at the well attended ceremony. Another, a boy showed brillance and confidence while respondingย to questions posed to him by the compere.
So also, children of the Kwara State Reception Home, Gaa-Akanbi appeared resplendent in theirย beautiful Ankara attire provided by the commissioner, making them envy of mothers. Also in attendance, were children from the LEAH Reception Home, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, the brainchild of the first lady. The party, which is an annual event,ย further gave these children a sense of belonging.ย Nothing gave them away for whom they are. Theย children, particularly older ones among them, seem to have put their ugly past andย circumstantialย backgroundsย behind and have acclamatised perfectly to their new found home. Their radiant countenance and the strong bondย observed among these children showed they are comfortable with their ‘new family’. These ebullient children appeared not missing love and affection of their biological parents as it is obvious that the vacuum has been perfectly filled by their loving and supportive caregivers.
Nevertheless, of commendation is the excellent disposition of the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development towardsย the orphans and vulnerable children. The commissioner who proved to be a consummate family woman, related with the children on individual basis calling them by their names. She madeย the childrenย feel at home around her. Her knowledge about each and every child at the state owned motherless babies home, shows how passionate she is about service to humanity and not just about her job.
Perhaps mindful of the quote byย Cardinal Roger Mahoney that ”Any society is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members โ the last, the least and the littlest, โ the commissioner has thrown herself into service for humanity and human survival. She is one of those people naturally determined to leave the world better than they found it. The commissioner tells anyone that cares to listen that she would support orphans and vulnerable children to reach their full potential as productive members of society.
One must also applaud the Kwara First Lady who is playing her part championing the cause of humanity through the establishment of an orphanage in a bid to cater for the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of orphans and vulnerable children. Through this philanthropic gesture, Mrs. Ahmed has ignite hope in these children, most of whom were hitherto abandoned to their fate.
However, like the first lady and the commissioner, other well meaning people in the society, groups, religious bodies and even politicians need to shift focus on the vulnerable particular children by extending hand of love, generosity and fellowship to them, in line with the popular saying that ”Whosoever you have the capability or wherewithal to help is indeed your neighbour, help him!โ No doubt their chances of survival largely depend on societal support. Government at all levels and corporate bodies have a role to play in addressing the plight of orphans, abandoned and vulnerable children in our society.
