The plight of the less
privileged children in the society was boosted over the weekend with the
presentation of a book titled ‘Society and Child’ and the launch of the ‘auntie Nkem Children and Young Persons’ Foundation
at the Women Development Centre, Abuja.
The author of the book
and the brain behind the foundation Mrs. Nkem Osellok-Orakwue is a veteran broadcaster
and the personality behind the famed ‘tales by moonlight’ weekend TV programme
of the 80s’and 90s’.
The book which is based
on helping the less privileged Nigerian child achieve their potentials, was
described as a must read by Amb. Godknows Igali a former Nigerian Ambassador to
the Scandinavia and Permanent Secretary who attended the event.
The Foundation
according to the organisers will identify and access resources to support
Foster care, adoption, Residential treatment, Mental health and community –Based
Programs of the highest quality, so that children in need, or who have been the
victims of trauma, abuse, neglect or abandonment may lead healthy and
productive lives. The objectives of the Foundation which is duly registered
with the Corporate Affairs Commission is to among other things, advance the
development and empowerment of future leaders, offer scholarship to less
privileged children and give children a platform to express themselves using
the media.
Speaking to newsmen,
auntie Nkem as she is popularly referred to, called for support for the Foundation
to enable it achieve its set objectives. She urged Nigerians to see the less
privileged children as Nigerian children who deserve basic things of life. She
said the foundation will be glad if Nigerians help out with its immediate needs
such as office Space, Children’s Library, Children’s playground, Children’s TV
programme, Food stuff, Medicals, Toiletries, Furniture among other things.
Lt. Col. Nko Usifor
(rtd) who is the Chairman of the Foundation said it is high time Nigerians
celebrate and support people oriented ventures of the likes of Nkem
Oselloka-Orakwue who has done so much for the development of the Nigerian
child. Pastor Evarestus Uzoma of the Redeemed Christian Church of God said
auntie Nkem has been in the vanguard against child trafficking long before
NAPTIP came on board. He said she is passionate about the plight of the
Nigerian child. He however decried the situation whereby the country fails to
celebrate people like auntie Nkem who have impacted so much on the Nigerian
child. “With the launch of this Foundation, lets see how they will respond to
her quest to make the country better” he said.
The event was graced by
young persons who have graduated from various tertiary institutions. They gave
a testimony of how the author of the book and the Chairperson of the Foundation
have helped them achieve their potentials. Winifred Maduko said ‘auntie Nkem’s
love for children amazes me. She started the Nigerian Children’s Parliament. She
cares for all children not minding their background, status, religion etc.
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