Abuja: An NGO, Chadash Empowerment Foundation on Sunday organised a one-kilometre advocacy walk in Abuja to raise awareness and rally support for orphans and vulnerable children, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to safeguard their welfare and future.
The founder of the NGO, Mrs Temitope Adeola, while speaking at the occasion in Abuja, said the event was part of the activities to mark this year’s World Orphans Day.
The occasion, which is celebrated globally every Nov. 13, had its theme as “Spread Hope.”
Adeola, represented by Akinade Ranti, the Programme Coordinator of Chadash Empowerment Foundation, said, “Orphans deserve not pity, but opportunity, inclusion and hope.”
According to her, today marks the 4th edition of our annual commemoration, and this year’s theme, “Spread Hope,” carries a message that resonates deeply with our mission.
“It is a day that calls us to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the millions of children around the world who have lost the warmth of a parent’s embrace, the security of a family, and too often, the opportunity to dream,” she said.
Adeola said that spreading hope is a responsibility shared by everyone, including the government, private sector, NGOs, and individuals.
She emphasised that hope is not merely an emotion but a force that shapes identity, fuels resilience and transforms the futures of vulnerable children.
“Hope is more than a word. Hope is a lifeline. Hope transforms a child’s tears into courage, their fears into confidence, and their uncertainty into possibility.
“Every orphaned child carries a story of loss, stories of survival, but also stories of extraordinary potential waiting to be nurtured.
“These children are not defined by their circumstances; their resilience defines them.
“And when society steps in with compassion, support and opportunity, their resilience becomes greatness,” the founder said.
Adeola said that to keep their hope alive, at least 200 young orphans within the 10- to 20-year age bracket were trained in vocational skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, barbing, and beading slippers through their Youth Awake Vocational Empowerment Training Programme.
“After each training cycle, we empowered the children with startup equipment, including sewing machines, hair dryers, washing hair basins, shoemaking and shoe filing machines, and other essential materials.”
She added that two children from two orphanages were supported with a scholarship project, among others.
“Today, they will enjoy themselves with fun-filled activities; games, music, dancing and unforgettable moments created just for them.
“And as always, each child will be going home with a special gift pack, lovingly prepared for them.
“In view of this year’s theme, we will be making significant donations to support the daily operations of the homes represented here.
“Today, we will be donating cartons of sugar, gallons of vegetable oil, bags of rice and toiletries to each orphanage home as a present.
“In addition, each orphanage home will receive a cash gift of #100,000 naira as further support for their needs,” she said.
Adeola reaffirmed her commitment to empowering orphans through education and skill development.
The children, drawn from orphanages, carried different placards during the walk with various inscriptions like “Beacon of Hope,” “Make the World a Better Place,” “Our Hopes are Daily Rekindled,” “Keep Smiling,” “We are God’s Heritage,” “Show Some Love,” etc.