The call has been made for the commitment of non-government organisations to the empowerment of persons facing vulnerabilities in the society, in order to help them rebuild their confidence and make them responsible members of the society.
The Deputy Director, Child Development Department, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Adenike Obilana, gave the charge at the special yuletide celebration programme organised by VCDF and the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development for special citizens.
The organisation had visited three Lagos State facilities – the Ipaja Transit Home, (for trafficked persons), in Iyana-Ipaja, the Ketu Special Children Centre and the Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Ojota, for the yuletide celebrations.
According to her, in the course of our “usual, daily busy routines, we often overlook some of our community members like victims of trafficking, domestic violence, special needs and abandoned children in correctional centres or orphanages, yet they constitute an invaluable and integral part of our society.”
She said reaching out to these neglected and vulnerable segments of the society is a powerful catalyst that will foster and promote their inclusion in the society.
At the Ipaja Transit Home, VCDF renewed the hope of over 32 exploited, abused and traumatized residents and six caregivers, while more than 75 residents and 47 caregivers were ‘touched’ at the Ketu Special Children Centre and the Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, where food, gifts and educational materials, were distributed to support the children and the institutions.
Ms. Caroline Inegbedion, Deputy Director, Correctional and Elderly Care Services, thanked VCDF for bringing joy and happiness to all the inmates of the Ipaja Transit camp.
According to her; “this humanitarian gesture filled our hearts with profound pride and joy. We extend our sincere gratitude to VCDF for their steadfast support and authentic compassion toward these special children, who too frequently contend with depression arising from their perceived exclusion from the society.
“This gesture aligns with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are; gender equality (SDG 5), focusing on reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
She commended VCDF for its dedication to planting seeds of inclusion that will blossom as an integral part of the societal fabric and create a brighter and more compassionate world.
The events were graced by esteemed dignitaries from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development including Mrs. Adenike Obilana, Ms Caroline Inegbedion, Principal, Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Mr. Fatai Oladayo Salu, and the Matron, Ketu Special Children Centre, Ms. Oluwakemi Agoro among others.
