The kids were bristling with excitement. When they saw the profile of the amusement park from afar, their joy could no longer be contained as some actually stood by the window, peering and wishing the driver could go faster! As their vehicle approached the gates of this enchanted place, their eyes shone with delight!
It was ‘FIDA’s (International Federation of Women Lawyers) Fun Day With Orphans’ and what a magical Saturday it turned out to be! A special Children’s Day gift for 50 orphans of the Vine Heritage Orphanage, Kiyi Village, Kuje, Abuja.
Prior to the arrival of the kids, FIDANs turned out in their numbers at Magic Land, Abuja to have a swell time with them. Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Mrs Rachel Adejo-Andrew explained the intent behind the event.
“This is about giving back to the society. This is about children who don’t get to go out to fun places like our kids. We chose to make this children’s day memorable for them so we came out in our numbers to give them a special day out.”
Publicity Secretary of the association, Mrs Mojirayo Ogunlana – Nkanga also gave an insight. “The number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Nigeria is estimated at 17.5 million. Among these, are kids who have to be raised in orphanages where there’s barely enough room to grow or having to enjoy some of the benefits our children enjoy. Yes, they may have footballs, skipping ropes, and the likes but we get to expand their world views with other amazing fun games, and not only that, they get the opportunity to interact with mothers and grandmas in a relaxing environment.”
Information on the Home’s website chronicles their Odyssey thus:
“While Nigerian historians have largely credited Mary Slessor, the Scottish Missionary who lived in Nigeria in the 19th century, with helping to eradicate the killing of twins in southern Nigeria, it is heart-breaking to note that infanticide and other dangerous practices are still prevalent within rural communities adjoining the Nigerian Capital.
“The efforts to rescue infants from deliberate killing by tribal Bassa community within the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) started in 1996 when the family of Olusola Stevens, who are missionaries, was called upon by a native woman to help in rescuing her child who was to be killed as a sacrifice to the local deity to ensure a bountiful agricultural harvest. The missionaries indeed intervened, and that child, Aishat Ruth Garba was rescued and is now a 20 year old student at Government Day Secondary School, Gwagwalada, FCT.
“Since that eventful intervention, these missionaries went ahead to establish a rehabilitation centre named Vine Heritage Home in 2004 to take care of such rescued kids. All the rescued children were transferred into the Vine Heritage Home within the age range of a few hours after birth to 5 months old, and have remained in the home with some of them now in their teens.
“There are several reasons why children in those communities stand a chance of being deliberately killed. Within the F.C.T., the native Bassa-komo, Gbariyamma, Ganagana communities have this unusual traditional belief that if a mother dies from child birth or while nursing a baby, the baby is evil and must therefore be killed by being buried (alive) with the deceased mother. Over 70% of the children currently living in Vine Heritage Home were rescued for this very reason.
“Other reasons why some infants are being killed in these communities include the belief that twins and other multiple births are abominations and portend evil and as such all such children are killed shortly after birth by being left to starve, poisoned, or buried alive. Around 97% of the 72 children currently residing at the Vine Heritage Home belong to this category.
“Other traditional bases for infanticide in these native communities include:
- Growth of the upper teeth before the lower teeth in infants.
- Sacrifice of infants unto the local deity so as to have a bountiful agricultural harvest.
- Children born with defects.
Communities Affected
Across Gurara, Abaji Area Council: Kpago, Gulida, Baragada, Kwakwa, Suhoipogokolo, Paiko, Bassa, Gbangede, Shadadi, Baribari, Ruga, Nasarawa, Kutara, Zuhi, Gwaja, Kasha, Adagba, KafakoKpando, Lapaihulohuwo, Shipukamdu
Gwagwalada Area Council: Tsoho-Kaida, Dako, Dawaki, Pete, Kwalita, Ashara, Tsako, Wuranbi, Kuturpo, Jabili, Alonwama, Wuyewuye, Kasanki, Shipipikidi, Balaki
Across River Usman, Kuje Area Council: Dodo, Awana, Tepese, Makana, Gwara I, Gwara II, Deshi, Kalagba, Gwuin, Kulo, Sauka
Kwali Area Council: Tungbudu, Gomani, Fuka, Golo, Lapa, Tsulogwo, Tepese, Gurugi, Sadaba, Keru, Gberegi, Kwala
Sadly, lack of government presence in these places has facilitated the continuance of the barbarous acts. Perhaps, if there were at least health centres or maternity homes, the officials could raise alarm when certain births occur to prevent infanticide. Unfortunately, in spite of an elaborate documentary that spanned two Sundays by Channels Television in 2014 or thereabouts as well as several news reports on this matter, very little change has occurred.
It is then hoped that FIDA and other like-minded organisations would press further to ensure that the FCT administration does the needful.
FIDA, acronym for the Spanish name “Federación Internacional dé Abogadas” which translates to “International Federation of Women Lawyers”, is a Non-Governmental, Non-Profit Organization made up of women lawyers called to practise Law in Nigeria.
FIDA was formed in 1964 by Mrs (Lady) Aduke Alakija in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria is a member of FIDA International founded in 1944 in Mexico by a group of women lawyers from Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Unites States of America. It has been in existence for over fifty years and has branches in thirty-three states of the nation.
FIDA envisions: “A just, peaceful and equitable Nigerian society where women and children’s rights, interests are guaranteed, in which they have the freedom to choose and live their own future.’
Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve the rights, interests and well-being of women and children through the use of legal framework to ensure that they live free from all forms of discrimination, violence and abuse in the society.