The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) had set up the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to immortalise its pioneer President, Engr Ndukwe Kalu, who had passed on, in active service. Considering the trying experiences of most Nigerians during this era of COVID-19, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), on behalf of the NKF donated wheelchairs, food items and toiletries to Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School and SOS Children’s Villages Isolo, Lagos State. These donations are to serve as palliative measures amidst COVID-19 challenges to these institutions.
These donations, which were made on Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th July 2020, were made to encourage the institutions as they cater for the children, especially the homeless and less privileged in the society in cushioning effect at this period of Coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the NiRA President, accompanied by some members of the NiRA Executive Board of Directors, the NiRA Management and other members of staff were also at hand to deliver the palliative materials at these places.
Mr Muhammed Rudman in his remark stated that NiRA is a non-governmental organisation with the responsibilities of managing the ‘.ng’ country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) and needed to make the donations during this period where the world is facing a pandemic. He commended the efforts of the homes in catering for the children, especially during this Covid-19 Pandemic. A little more love and care go a long way especially in this period, which is the reason the NiRA Executives and Staff decided to visit these homes.
At the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School, the Deputy Director Education, Mrs. S. A. Rabiu was at hand to receive the NiRA Team. Due to COVID-19, the NiRA Team could not have access to the children. Mrs. Rabiu was appreciative of the gifts delivered at the home.
Receiving the visitors and donations, the National Donation in Kind Coordinator for Fund Development and Communication at the Village, Mr. Lawrence Agbaegbu, appreciated NIRA for remembering the SOS Children’s Villages Isolo, Lagos.
In his brief he gave about the SOS Children’s Village in Nigeria, he stated that the organisation has been protecting and supporting vulnerable children in Nigeria since the early 1970s. He recalled that the perseverance of the founder, Hermann Gmeiner was built on what he saw at the World War II of 1949. He visited Nigeria after the Civil war in 1970. Hermann discovered that the worst hit were children, hence he stood up for children and created the legacy of SOS Children’s Villages of today led by the leadership of Mrs. Awoliyi.
Aside from upholding international guidelines for the alternative care of children, he ensured that all SOS Children’s Villages across the globe strictly followed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Agbaegbu further noted that SOS Children’s Village is supportive of the community of families. It is a familiar and safe environment for children who cannot live with their parents, where their needs and interests are put first. In an SOS Children’s Village, all kinds of families including SOS families and foster families can live side by side in the society, forming a network of mutual support. This network, in turn, is backed by the expertise and resources of the SOS Children’s Villages organisation.
