The Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Orphanages and Homes joined the global community on Saturday 15th of November 2025, to commemorate the 2025 World Orphan Day, hosting an emotionally uplifting celebration dedicated to honouring, uplifting, and reaffirming support for orphans and vulnerable children.
The observance was held at Divine Heritage Children Centre along the Ginti–Ijede Road in Ikorodu, drawing caregivers, philanthropists, development advocates, and community leaders committed to strengthening protection systems and improving the quality of life for children in care across Lagos State.
Among the notable attendees were Mrs. Motunrayo Odumuyinwa, representatives of New Dawn Care Development, Mr. and Mrs. Bakare, Mr. Kola Idowu, Rev. Isaac Makinde, and officials from several homes and foundations, including Rescue Children Orphanage, Double Joy Home (represented by Mrs. Williams), Divine Heritage Orphanage Home, Home of God’s Grace, Hikanus Foundation, Dew Drop Home, and Chief Olajumoke, Magistrate of Mushin CDC.
Reverend Mrs Ebunoluwa Idowu, Director of Divine Heritage Children’s Centre, delivered a stirring keynote message centred on hope, dignity, and unwavering support for children living in orphanages.
She urged the public to value the potential in every child.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the gift of life they carry — to give them hope, to give them a future, to remind them that they are remembered and that God does not forget them,” she said.
“Tomorrow is secure, and our goal is to keep joy on their faces.”
Rev. Idowu called on supporters across the state to remain steadfast.
“I appreciate everyone who has been giving toward the homes in Lagos State. They are doing a great job, and I encourage them not to give up.”
“World Orphan Day allows us to put smiles on the faces of these children and assure them that God loves them.”
Mrs Olabisi Esther, Administrator of Double Joy Orphanage, said the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity to uplift the children under her care.
“I’m excited to celebrate the children — to give them a sense of belonging and remind them they are valued members of society,” she stated.
“We encourage them to be courageous and confident. They are loved by God, by us, and by society.”
She appealed for stronger government involvement.
“We need their support. We need their love.”
Mrs Olaide Olufunke, Coordinator of Home of God’s Grace Orphanage, said many children enter the home feeling hopeless, but events like these help restore confidence.
“Most of these children believe they don’t have hope because of their situation,” she said.
“But bringing in people to associate with them makes a big difference.”
She highlighted their academic progress, noting that some beneficiaries are already in the university.
“They go to school just like every other child. The love in a family is the same love we show them. Some are already in higher institutions — a privilege even some children with both parents don’t have.”
Mrs Grace Temitayo Bakare, founder of Dew Drops Care Development Foundation, said the global observance underscores the daily struggles faced by millions of children.
“Today raises awareness of the challenges many children face in meeting their daily needs. It urges society to support them.”
Mrs William Aina of Hikanus Foundation emphasised the moral duty to treat every child as a creation of God.
“Celebrations like this remind them of their worth. I want the government to create more awareness and continue igniting hope — humans need hope.”
Mrs Sekinat Oyindamola Adeleke, Project Director at Community Women’s Rights Foundation and Coordinator of the Igbogbo-Baiyeku Child Protection Network, expressed joy at seeing many children she personally rescued thriving.
“Seeing them looking radiant, happy, and having grown both morally and academically gives me so much joy.”
She encouraged them to stay focused.
“They should keep looking ahead. They are privileged to have this opportunity. Many children want what they have but cannot access it.”
Chief Magistrate Adejumoke Adelabu praised the work of orphanages under the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON).
“Many orphanages under ASOHON are touching different lives. Children become orphans for different reasons, but they are being inspired, educated, fed, and guided toward a bright future.”
She added that many former beneficiaries are now professionals giving back to society.
“We now have lawyers and doctors who grew up in these homes and are now helping other children. The future is truly bright.”
She encouraged operators to sustain their efforts despite the increasing number of children needing support.
A major highlight of the celebration was a fashion exhibition featuring pieces created by young designers Mary Michael and Abdulazeez Faheema, trainees of Divine Heritage Children Centre.
Their designs received enthusiastic applause, showcasing the centre’s commitment to equipping children with practical skills for future independence.
Outstanding Children Honoured with Awards
Several children from different homes were honoured for excellence, resilience, and remarkable personal development.
Awardees included:
Deborah Valentine — Dew Drops Home
Adewale Toluwanimi — Home of God’s Grace
Wisdom Emmanuel — Hikanus Foundation
Esther Ogunlana — Rescue Children Orphanage Home
Ebuka Oyebola — Double Joy Home
The awards, organisers said, were meant to build confidence and encourage continued progress academically, morally, and socially.
Prayers, Goodwill Messages, and Renewed Commitment
The 2025 World Orphan Day celebration ended with prayers, goodwill messages, interactive sessions with the children, and renewed pledges from caregivers and supporters to continue advocating for improved welfare, protection, and opportunities for orphans across Lagos State.
The Association reaffirmed its mission to safeguard and uplift vulnerable children, reinforcing the central message of the day: “Every Child Deserves Love, Protection, and a Future.”
INN-HOUSE☆ 