Oko-Baba Inmates Cry For Help

“I grew up in this place and it is hard for my parents to sponsor me in school. Some of my elder ones have stopped school and my parents are petty traders. We want the government to help us.”

This were the words of a 12-year old boy, Saudi Mohammodu, at the destitute home in Oko-Baba, Ebute Meta, Lagos. The situation is peculiar to this child as most of the children of beggars, and the destitute residing in the Home are crying for help.

A recent visit to the home by P.M.NEWS revealed neglect, squalor and abandonment by the authorities concerned. A member of the African Resourceful Leaders Foundation, Ajibola Ajibade during a recent visit to the shelter in continuation of the Foundation’s campaign against child abuse, disclosed that they plan to sponsor the education of some of the children.

According to the General Secretary of the Home, Mr. Mohammed Baba who also resides there, the government only supplies cooked food to them quarterly.

“Feeding has been difficult, there is no potable water. Government built this place for us in order to stay off the streets. How do we cater for our children considering our disabilities? We need security and some social amenities,” he added.

Baba who has been in the place for 15 years disclosed that there are three sections— one for the blind, another for cripples and the third for lepers.

According to Ajibade: “Our plan is to ensure the children they go to school, while the matured ones will be given vocational training.”

—Henrietta Ikhile