The 50th-anniversary celebration of SOS Children’s Village in Nigeria was a momentous event held in Lagos, symbolising five decades of dedicated service under the theme “50 Years of Impact: Nurturing Futures, Transforming Lives.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ehgosa Erhumwunse, the National Country Director, highlighted the organization’s commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable children over the years. He emphasised their focus on children who have lost or were on the brink of losing parental care, offering them opportunities for a brighter future through various programmes. Erhumwunse proudly stated, “We’ve touched the lives of over 200,000 children and young people, a number that continues to grow daily. In the last 50 years, our impact has extended to over a million individuals in Nigeria.”
He expressed the organisation’s vision for the future, saying, “As we celebrate this monumental 50th anniversary, we renew our pledge to the children, young people, families, and communities we serve. Our commitment remains strong in ensuring that every child experiences nurturing care, respect, and security, guiding them towards a promising future.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Michael Ezeanochie, the Chairman of the Board, emphasised their milestone achievements, notably their shift towards deinstitutionalization of services. “Our move away from the institutional care model has been pivotal. We strive to provide an environment mirroring a real family setup, enabling children to experience unrestricted care, love, and support essential for their happiness and growth,” he stated.
Amidst these celebrations, Ezeanochie acknowledged the challenges ahead, including resource management and rising violence against children in certain regions. He extended gratitude to the federal government and donor partners for their support in creating an enabling environment for the organization’s positive impact.
The anniversary events included a National Director’s Cup (Football Competition) and a gala night, where children from Isolo SOS Village presented a cultural performance. Awards were conferred upon partners and staff, recognising their immense support and selfless service over the last 50 years. Among the recipients was Country Director Erhumwunse, recognised for his exceptional dedication to the cause.
This milestone celebration not only commemorated 50 years of impactful service but also illuminated the unwavering commitment of SOS Children’s Village towards nurturing the future of Nigeria’s vulnerable children.
