Nigeria: Female Attorneys Visit FCT Orphanage, Advocate Child Rights Implementation

By Justina Auta

The Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA) has called for the full implementation of the Child Rights.

Mrs Chinelo Iriele, President, GAFA, made the call on Saturday when the association visited St. Mary’s Orphanage Gwagwalada, FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association donated N1.14 million, food stuffs and educational items to the orphanage.

Iriele said the implementation of the Child Rights Act would ensure the rights of children, especially the less privileged and vulnerable in the society were protected.

She also urged the public to identify with children in orphanages, as well as support them with educational materials, food, sanitary and other basic items to alleviate their plights.

“Ours is to identify with the less privileged people; people that seek justice in so many perspectives; like here, you can see that these are kids; they don’t know much.

“We are here to make sure that they are getting what they are supposed to get because when somebody owns up to take care of kids, it must be done properly.

“So, we are here to ensure that even the environment is good for them; and the education they get is what they are supposed to get.

“It is about their rights and to make sure they are not denied their rights; and so far, our observation shows everything is good,” she said.

Rev. Sr. Julie Nzubechukwu-Elobuike, representative of the orphanage home, expressed appreciation to the association and others for their supports, which had enabled them to provide the needs of the children.

Nzubechukwu-Elobuike, however, said identified poor electricity supply and funding for education as their major challenges.

“Our challenge is that once electricity light is taken, these children will be in darkness.

“Also, challenge of school fee because we currently have six children writing WAEC and we paid N70,000 each including their boarding fee and most of these orphans have no sponsors.

“The schools are calling us to come and pay our debts; so, from what you have given us now, we will be able to pay.

“You can help us to find sponsors; those that can put a smile on their face and support their education even if it to secondary or university level,” she appealed.

She stressed the need for regular visits from families of some of the orphaned and motherless children to monitor their progress and development.

NAN reports that other items donated included drinks and clothing.(NAN)