Data from SOS Children’s Villages has shown that 150 million children are orphaned globally, out of which 17.5 million are in Nigeria, living in vulnerable conditions with little or no support.
The child-centred organisation, in a statement to mark World Development Information Day, pointed out that the commemoration was solely to highlight and create awareness of developmental issues and the importance of sustainable progress.
They emphasised the dire need for attention to the most vulnerable children in Nigeria, as they suffer all forms of child abuse due to the poor conditions they find themselves in.
The organisation mentioned that the recent flood incident in Borno State has indicated that any child can suddenly become vulnerable and exposed to harsh realities.
Faiza, a young girl and victim of the flood, said, “Our living conditions have deteriorated drastically. I am not back home because our house collapsed due to the flooding incident. My family and I are only able to eat once a day. It is very difficult for us to get food since we do not have any source of livelihood or income for now.
“School has resumed, but the flooding destroyed my books and other school materials. I really desire to get back to school; however, we do not have money for the books, transportation fare to school, and other expenses.”
The organisation maintained that the story proves that one incident can spiral into an untold nightmare for a child, from loss of livelihood to being out of school, exposure to violence, and poor health and nutrition. Unfortunately, many children face these issues due to various situations.
They called for an urgent need for meaningful collaborations and partnerships that nurture and transform the future and lives of children through the launch of the SOS Friends Campaign.
The Fund Development Manager of SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Thelma Ojelabi, said, “Tackling the issues in Nigeria, especially for the children, requires a united front with strong and effective collaborations, thereby calling for more attention to the pressing development issues affecting children and communities across the nation.
“As an organisation, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide family-like care, empower caregivers, ensure quality education, and offer holistic support to vulnerable children. So, as we commemorate World Development Information Day, remember that it is our critical and collective responsibility to ensure mitigation against incidents that plunge these children into devastating situations and build sustainable development for a brighter future for all children.”
“To foster collaborations that produce effective contributions, results, and sustainability for the most vulnerable children, SOS Children’s Villages is launching a campaign called SOS FRIENDS.
“The SOS Friends initiative is geared toward mobilizing stakeholders who will commit to advocating for children and contribute financially to the implementation of strategic programs that attend to the needs of children. This is a drive toward Nigerians supporting Nigerians.
“Being an SOS friend provides the opportunity to create lasting change for Nigeria’s children through donations, volunteering, and advocacy, ensuring no child is left behind. This collaboration ensures sustainable solutions that empower communities to raise children in the right environment for their absolute growth,”
“Furthermore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we give the Nigerian child a sense of belonging and a shot at life filled with intentional efforts for their total well-being. We urge individuals, corporate organisations, and the government to join us as SOS Friends. The time is now for stronger partnerships and focused action for the Nigerian child. Together, we can secure a better tomorrow for the children of today.
