The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Headquarters Chapel, Abuja, has called for increased support for orphanages and vulnerable children across the country.
The chapel’s chairman, Mr Collins Yakubu-Hammer, made the appeal on Monday during a visit to Right Light Gospel Orphanage in Karmajiji, Abuja, as part of activities marking the chapel’s 2026 Press Week.
Yakubu-Hammer said the visit reflected the journalists’ commitment to humanitarian service and their desire to give back to society.
He urged Nigerians not to neglect children living in orphanages, noting that they could grow up to occupy influential positions and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“At the NUJ NAN chapel, Abuja, we believe that service to humanity is the best work of life.
“People should not neglect rendering assistance to orphanage homes because future presidents, ministers, CEOs and scientists could come from such homes,” he said.
Yakubu-Hammer encouraged individuals, businesses and organisations to make humanitarian service part of their everyday activities by supporting children in orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
“We should imbibe the principles of humanity in our endeavours. Impact is better interest.
“Let us continue to do more for children in orphanage homes and other vulnerable people in the country to make the world a better place for all of us,” he said.
His appeal highlighted the importance of sustained support for vulnerable children, including access to basic necessities, education, healthcare and opportunities to develop their abilities.
While charitable visits can provide encouragement and immediate assistance, consistent support remains important to help care institutions meet children’s needs over time.
The chapel’s secretary, Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi, said the visit was organised to launch the chapel’s week-long Press Week programme and demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility.
She said the engagement provided an opportunity to share affection with the children and encourage them to remain hopeful about their future.
Yakubu-Hammer also announced that the Press Week activities would continue with a lecture on Wednesday and a fitness walk on Friday.
Responding, Pastor Kenneth Onyedikachukwu, who represented the orphanage, thanked the NUJ NAN Chapel for the visit and support.
He prayed for continued blessings, provision and success for the journalists, expressing hope that the gesture would support the home’s efforts to care for vulnerable children.
He also offered prayers for the management and staff of NAN.
The visit underscored the role community engagement can play in drawing attention to the needs of vulnerable children. Sustained assistance from individuals, civil society groups, businesses and public institutions can help orphanages provide safer environments and better opportunities for the children in their care.