The authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned the Nigerian government that neglecting of its orphans and vulnerable children may potentially pose serious threats to her national security, as such elements can be easily recruited into criminal activities.
This warning came from representatives of the Kingdom during an intervention programme that empowered over 1,000 vulnerable orphans in Kwara State, in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce hardship and improve the welfare of orphaned children across Nigeria.
Speaking during the distribution of food items and empowerment kits in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Project Manager of the Orphan Support Project, Farid Salman, said the initiative was designed to meet immediate welfare needs of the vulnerable children and youths, while promoting long-term self-reliance, stressing that neglecting vulnerable children endangers society at large.
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Salman explained that the beneficiaries were trained in vocational skills including tailoring, catering, and information and communication technology, and were provided with relevant tools and starter packs to help them become self-sufficient.
Coordinators of some of the benefiting orphanage homes described the intervention as timely and life-saving, noting that it would significantly ease the burden on vulnerable children.
Over 1,000 orphans drawn from both Muslim and non-Muslim orphanages benefited from the gesture, helping to keep vulnerable children off the streets and away from criminal influences.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
