2 days Ago By Our Reporters
Biodun Busari A nongovernmental organisation, Smiles for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiative, has said Nigeria has over 18 million children without parents languishing in poverty, loneliness, and uncertainties. The founder of the group, Momah Euriel, who spoke at the musical concert and fundraising event to commemorate the 2024 World Orphans Day at the Department of Creative Arts Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, called on members of the public to assist the orphans. Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Euriel said, “Orphanhood is not a choice they made themselves.
Though we can’t do anything about their past, we can help reshape their future. “The statistics in Nigeria put orphans at over 18 million. You will agree with me that no child chooses to be an orphan.
” He stated that the statistics for orphans in the world by the United Nations Children’s Fund was 153 million. “These children have varied needs. What we are trying to do is to make people aware of these children and see how we can support them.
“They have basic and psychological needs. What we are doing is to call on the public to rally these children and support them.” SOVCI is a non-governmental organisation to raise support for orphans and vulnerable children.
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