A social worker, Joy Taiwo, has called for a joint effort to tackle street begging, forced labour and other social vices in the country.

Taiwo, who is the Matron of Oyiza Orphanage Home, Ibadan, called for wider collaborations to end street begging and other social vices.

She made the call during the maiden Oyiza Orphanage Financial Intervention media conference held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Taiwo, who is a nurse, condemned the spate of street begging, forced labour, and other social vices in African countries, including Nigeria.

She warned that failure to collaborate would only widen the gap.

Citing relevant provisions of the United Nations Declaration of Human and People’s Rights of 1948, she explained that every child should be free from child labour, trafficking, abuse, or neglect, but must be empowered with access to education, equality, and human dignity.

She added that she has made great efforts in providing life and hope to 48 orphans in her orphanage.

Taiwo reiterated that her foster home empowers its children with love, care, and worthwhile education.

According to her, 12 of the children are pursuing higher education at universities across Nigeria, while four have graduated with first class degrees and two with national diplomas.

She said: “For over two decades, this orphanage has operated with an unblemished reputation, a testament to divine providence and relentless commitment.

“It is only fitting that the world recognises and celebrates the strides made here to uplift and nurture our children.

“Today’s media conference is historic, marking our first step towards showcasing Oyiza Orphanage on a global platform. It is my duty to emphasise the remarkable efforts taken to ensure the well-being and development of the 48 children currently under our care,” she said.

However, she stated that lack of collaboration and banditry have remained significant challenges for her orphanage.

“It is important to acknowledge the challenges we have faced, especially after the unfortunate demise of our founder.

“In 2021, compassionate individuals collaborated to raise funds for a permanent building at Felele, Ibadan. Unfortunately, the structure remains incomplete,” she said.

She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, government, and other concerned stakeholders to collaborate with her orphanage.

Her words: “Let us collaborate to transform Oyiza Orphanage into a beacon of hope, not only for Ibadan and Oyo State but for Nigeria as a whole.”