‘3,000 orphans in FCT community need support’

The Kwali Area Council Coordinator of the Islamic Virtues for Orphans and Widows Foundation (IVOWF), Aisha Yamta Bukar, has appealed to governments, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to support more than 3,000 orphans currently under the foundation’s care across the council. Bukar, who is also the Ameera of Albishra Women Association in the area, made […]

The Kwali Area Council Coordinator of the Islamic Virtues for Orphans and Widows Foundation (IVOWF), Aisha Yamta Bukar, has appealed to governments, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to support more than 3,000 orphans currently under the foundation’s care across the council.

Bukar, who is also the Ameera of Albishra Women Association in the area, made the appeal during an interview with our reporter in Kwali.

She disclosed that the orphans, drawn from the 10 political wards of the council, are currently enrolled in both primary and secondary schools through the intervention of the foundation.

According to her, many of the children lost their parents to accidents, illness and insurgency, especially from parts of northern Nigeria affected by insecurity.

She explained that for over 15 years, the foundation has been making efforts to ensure that vulnerable children are enrolled in school, with support from individuals, corporate bodies and the Kwali Area Council administration.

Bukar added that five of the orphans are currently sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), while others are in Junior Secondary School III.

“We have many donors supporting these children to acquire education because nobody knows what these children will become tomorrow,” she said.

She noted that her passion for bringing the children together and supporting their education was to ensure they become responsible and productive members of society.

According to her, leaving orphaned children without care and access to education could expose them to insecurity and other social vices.

She urged governments at all levels, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue supporting the foundation in caring for the orphans.