The Coalition of Orphanages and Children Homes In Nigeria, COCHIN, has appealed to the Federal Government to review its Policy and Support for orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The President of COCHIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, made the appeal in Abuja during a Party organized for Orphans by the Coalition to mark this year’s World Orphans Day with the theme “Care for Children in a horrible situation is an obligation especially in the face of a pandemic”
Senator Ajoku who expressed concern over the attitude of Government towards the welfare and education of orphans and vulnerable children in the country said they are part of Nigerian children which COCHIN consider a priority.
“Everybody should ensure that the rights of orphans as contained in the Child Rights Act are adhere to because Government at all levels has the responsibility in that towards ensuring that they attain their goals in life ” He stated
According to him, COCHIN has put in place necessary internal regulations and code of conduct to ensure that all orphans in Orphanages are adequately catered for and educated to enable them become useful citizens hence the need for Government to play its roles by supporting the Coalition in making life more meaningful for orphans in the country.
“Internally we’re checkmating ours elves to make sure we follow and create proper home environment for these children through payment of their school fees, hospital bills, clothing, food and rent for the property and employment of nanny’s we use as well as other necessities of life needed for growth and development, yet Government do not help in anyway ” Senator Ajoku explained
The President of COCHIN therefore called on the FCT Administration and necessary Ministries and Agencies of Government saddled with the responsibilities of catering for orphans and vulnerable children to wake up to their duties and provide the needed support towards making orphans which he described as Nigerians forgotten children realize their dreams in life.
” Some of these children are now graduated still living in the orphanage whike seeking for employment” He stated
While advising orphans to always believe in themselves for a better tomorrow, Senator Ajoku said COCHIN would continue to embark on programmes that would make orphans be self reliant in future.
Some of the orphans who spoke at the event commended COCHIN for putting smiles on their faces as they were full of praises for their new parents the orphanage proprietors.
They also enjoined Government at all levels to always compliment the efforts of COCHIN in providing quality education for them. So far they claim Government has forgotten they are included as Nigerian children.
Highlights of the Party were various presentations by the homes, talk show, spoken words, games and dancing among others.
MATHEW AYOOLA
