GREATER Awka Allies, a non- governmental organisation based in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, has frowned at the discovery that most of the children in an orphanage home in Anambra State are children of convicts who are spending time in prison.
The group insisted that such children should rather be handed over to their uncles or close relations and should also be enrolled in regular schools that would better their future.
Speaking to journalists shortly after holding an interactive end of year/ Christmas party for children of one the homes on Thursday, Hon Chinemerem Oguegbe, who led the organisation on the visit, called on the government at all level to intervene in the plight of the helpless children.
According to him, “Children of this convicts should be handed over to their uncles or relations because keeping them here (Orphanage Home) is not healthy for them. There is no reason these children should not be given basic education which is nearly free, he lamented.
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Hon Oguegbe who is a patriotic member of the People Democratic Party PDP in the State, charged the children to be of good behaviour, pray constantly and make the most of every opportunity and experience they have.
He promised that the organisation through its members both in Nigeria and Diaspora will ensure that Children in orphanage homes in Anambra State have access to quality education, quality health care and ensure
a healthy environment through the provision of basic infrastructures in Government-owned Orphanage homes.
Confirming the claim in one of the homes the group visited in Awka, the cook of the home (name withheld) said that such children are brought to the home and after a while, they are removed. She said efforts are being made to start proper school for them adding and that teachers are invited to teach the children within the school.
A reliable source also had it that the State commissioner for women affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mezue, has plans to enrol the children at school resumption.
A Consultant Dermatologist with the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Dr.Chizoba Okpala, who was part of the team, promised to assemble a team of Medical Doctors that will come from time to time to provide basic health care solutions to the Children.
Engr Cajethan Okolo and the Director of Engr Cajethan Okolo Foundation for the orphan and less privileged who facilitated the event, on his goodwill, appreciated the organisation for their good work and prayed God to give them the grace to continue.
and then