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By Oluseye Ojo
The Matron of Oyiza Orphanage Home, Ibadan Mrs. Taiwo Joy, has called for collective efforts to combat street begging and rampant social vices plaguing Nigeria, especially among school-age children.
Speaking at the inaugural Oyiza Orphanage Financial Intervention Media Conference in Ibadan, she condemned the unrelenting frequency of forced labour and child exploitation that have continued to affect vulnerable populations across Africa.
Taiwo, a practising nurse, stated that street begging by children of school-age has for a while been a prevalent issue in the country, largely due to poverty, lack of opportunities, deaths of loved ones.
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The situations, according to her, have been leading to exploitation and a cycle of marginalisation, culminating in battle for survival by children, particularly to contribute to their families’ income.
Taiwo appealed to Nigerians, philanthropists, and government bodies to join forces with Oyiza Orphanage that was founded over two decades ago to avert further tragedies, linked to social vices in caring and shaping the future positively for orphans as well as other vulnerable children.
“Together, we can restore hope and vision for these children, and drastically reducing street begging in Nigeria,” she said.
Taiwo stated that 48 parentless children currently found refuge at the orphanage, and that the home has transformed lives of scores of orphans The home, she said, is sponsoring 12 children in universities across Nigeria. She added that the orphanage has produced four graduates, alongside two with national diplomas.
