The immediate past Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, on Saturday urged the elite and privileged persons to support orphans, widows, and vulnerable persons in the society.
The Borno lawmaker stated that even the holy books have also urged the privileged people to assist and support the vulnerable in the society.
This was even as former Abia Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Minister of State of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu, urge support for orphans.
They made the appeal at the annual commemoration of World Orphans Day and fundraising for the Chadash Empowerment Foundation in Abuja.
Chadash is a non-governmental organisation founded by Temitope, the wife of the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola, to attend to the plights of orphans and widows after she survived a near-death experience in 2018.
Addressing the participation, Ndume applauded her initiative, saying the founder has shown what it means to serve humanity without expecting anything in return.
He said, “I want to congratulate you, Mrs Temitope Adeola, because you have chosen the path of paradise. In both Christian and Muslim religions, any privileged person who cares for orphans, widows, indigents, and the poor is destined for paradise. I pray for you to keep this path so that we will meet in paradise if I manage to get there.
“Let me also say every privileged human being that ignores the poor, orphans and widows is doomed. I don’t know whether it is paradise or hell. It is a gamble. But in your case, if you continue like this, Insha Allah, it shall be paradise.
“There will be distraction, and that is what Satan will be trying to do from today. You are also lucky that your husband is a very wonderful person. For all of us here, let us copy what she is doing.”
Kalu also shared his sentiment, saying he travelled to Abuja to honour her philanthropy and exemplary gesture.
“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Senator Adeola and his wife for what they are doing. This is the first time that I am coming out to the Federal Capital Territory since the 10th Senate.
“I came because she has done exactly what God said we should be doing. She is leading the way for the less privileged. On behalf of Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, I would like to make a donation of N10m to support what she is doing,” he stated.
Sununu also applauded the humanitarian initiative, which he said couldn’t have come at a better time.
According to the minister, the task of providing for the vulnerable in society is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to the show of love and donations she received, Adeola explained that she made a vow to use his foundation to improve the lives and welfare of all marginalised groups through vocational training, provision of quality nutrition and sustainable means of livelihood.
“Each of these children carries a story of loss, resilience, and unyielding hope. They are witness to life’s harsh reality and also embolden the strength of our human spirit. Imagine for a moment the child who wakes up every day without the comforting presence of a parent or navigates the world with no one to really love.
“Yet in their eyes, you can see a flicker of hope. Every orphan deserves a chance to laugh, learn, grow, and be happy. We need to change the narrative. We are all encouraged to change our attitude towards orphans in the society.
“As of recently, Nigeria has around 18 million orphans due to poverty, banditry, communal clashes, and other unforeseen circumstances. Don’t let us make these children statistics. Let us help them grow to fulfil their future,” he pleaded.