The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the well-being and development of all children, regardless of their background.
She made this statement in Nasarawa State on Saturday while unveiling the new Nana Berry Orphanage and Children’s Home.
According to the First Lady, the project aligns with Tinubu’s vision, which recognises children as essential pillars of national development.
“This inauguration is a testament to the power of collaboration and our commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable children in society,” she said.
Tinubu said she first learnt about the plight of the children at Nana Berry Orphanage and Children’s Home through an interview its founder, Mrs Aishatu Kwalmi, gave on NTA in early 2023.
“At the time, we were still in the early stages of registering the Renewed Hope Initiative. But immediately directed some of my team members to visit the orphanage and assess the situation.
“Their report revealed the difficult conditions in which over 200 children were living, and as a mother, I knew I had to act.
“After all, the very reason we established the Renewed Hope Initiative was to improve the lives of families across Nigeria. Our initial response was to provide essential food items and supplies.
“Later, in December 2023, we invited about 70 children from the home to our first State House Christmas Party. That experience inspired us to invite children from orphanages across the Federal Capital Territory to our 2024 Christmas Party,” she said.
Similarly, she said a more sustainable intervention was necessary to provide these children with a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment.
“Today, it gladdens my heart to see that vision fulfilled,” she said.
The First Lady urged caregivers at the home to continue providing the children with love, care, and guidance.
She, however, declined the founder’s request for a piece of land for farming to support the orphanage.
“Instead, I encourage you to explore smart farming techniques, using buckets and old tires to grow crops, since the land here is sufficient,” she said.
She commended the Nasarawa State Government for donating the land and ensuring that the Certificate of Occupancy was provided.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, commended the First Lady and her Renewed Hope Initiative for their dedication to the welfare of vulnerable people.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel-Agbadu Akabe, the governor assured of the government’s continued support for the orphanage.
“We are committed to this laudable initiative, which is why we provided the land free of charge for this beautiful edifice.
“We will continue to collaborate to maintain the orphanage’s standards and principles while offering further support,” he said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire revealed that the orphanage was built by her office.
Represented by the Head of the Conditional Grant Scheme Dr. Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that “Dr. Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu building reflects President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly for vulnerable children.
“This facility can accommodate 118 girls and 118 boys in two hostel blocks, alongside a dormitory, a multipurpose hall, twin blocks of six classrooms, a matron’s office, and staff quarters.
“It is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for learning and holistic development,” she added.
(NAN)
