Daniel Ayantoye
Nigerians have been urged to take responsibility for pregnancies and stop abandoning babies at orphanages or leaving them in unsafe places after birth.
The Chief Executive Officer of HoganHost and ZuumHost, a web hosting firm, Joseph Effiok, made the appeal during a visit to Motherless Babies Home, Lekki, Lagos State, on Monday.
Effiok, who visited the home alongside members of his team as part of activities marking his birthday on Wednesday, June 10 and the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, said the experience had strengthened his commitment to supporting vulnerable children.
He said, “I felt compassion for all the beautiful babies and hearing the stories of how they came here.
“I only came with my team in commemoration of my birthday and as part of our corporate social responsibility. But what I have seen today has built a passion for this not to stop, but to continue.
“I really think youths and Nigerians who become pregnant should endeavour to take responsibility for their pregnancy. You don’t abandon a child for another person to train. No matter what happens, keep the child.”
He added that society must encourage responsible parenting and provide support systems that discourage child abandonment.
Speaking on behalf of the management of the home, a social worker, Mrs Tosin Lawal, urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and avoid abandoning children after birth.
She said many of the children at the facility were victims of abandonment, while some were rescued from trafficking-related situations.
She said, “People should always take responsibility for whatever happens in their lives in terms of pregnancy.
“If you are not prepared, don’t go near it or better still, use protection because giving birth and throwing children away is really uncalled for.
“A lot of people are praying for children but do not have. Now God gave you a child, and you keep the baby by the roadside. It is a sin if they don’t know.”
Lawal advised parents who are unable to care for their children to seek help from trusted relatives or responsible individuals rather than abandoning them.
Lawal added, “If you know you are not ready to take care of your children, please use protection. If you have children and you cannot take care of them, look for someone you know who is capable. Give the children to them and continue to monitor their welfare.
“Don’t give children to people you don’t trust. Some of our children were brought here from child trafficking situations. Some parents leave their children recklessly, and they are taken.”
The delegation led by Effiok included the Chief Operating Officer of ZuumHost, Ruth Boyle; Human Resources Officer, Esther Bassey; Technical Head of HoganHost, Frank Ibingo; and a support team member, John Abia.
The team donated essential items to the home and spent time interacting with the children and management, reaffirming their commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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