I recently visited Nigeria. As would be expected the unsung lyrics “Home sweet home …” formed a conspicuous part of the itinerant chords. Lots of wows, reconnections and ‘near-extinction’ cuisine experiences. Visitors? All brought joys – some by coming and some by going! But after all the dusts had settled, certain events stood out taller than life itself! One of such was my visit to an orphanage (Goshen Home) in a remote suburb of Ogun State. The ‘brains’ behind this time-transcending initiative are none other than Dr. and Mrs. Albert Oikelome, the indefatigable visionaries and tools of hope in God’s hand. What else? I literally used a bold face and lots of smiles to beat back tears when I held a baby girl (just months old) who was forsaken in the hospital by the mother shortly after birth. Some kids in the picture will never get to see both parents anymore in life; some were victims of religious violence in Northern Nigeria, … etc. But now they must be housed, clothed, fed, educated, and yea given a sense that they, too, are human beings. Government subventions? NONE whatsoever! Even the few workers in this facility operate on volunteer basis. For one, these kids need help along the lines highlighted above. And if you are prompted to be an ‘angel’ of help as well, please let me know and I’ll link you up directly with the operators of the facility. Can you connect them with NGOs outside that country? Please do. Some of the kids have very high hopes. By sponsorships, we can form a row of bridges from this Orphanage to Advantage! Best still, prayer works! Therefore, remember them and their ‘Parents’, Brother & Sister Albert Oikelome in your prayers. May they be “Remembered (in Heaven) By What They Have Done”.
