By Adebayo Oladejo –Save a Child Mission is set to mark its 10th anniversary in Lagos with a charity party targeting more than 600 vulnerable and orphaned children, as the organisation renews its commitment to child protection, welfare and advocacy.
The celebration, scheduled for December 19 in Ikoga-Zebbe community, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, will feature games, music, a bouncy castle, food, drinks, gifts and other activities designed to give children from underserved communities a memorable festive-season experience.
Speaking in a statement made available to journalists, the Mission Coordinator, Mrs Jane Obiageli Ugwumadu, traced the organisation’s establishment in 2016 to her childhood experiences of witnessing children being abandoned, abused, neglected and rejected. These experiences, she said, inspired her to bring like-minded people together to protect vulnerable children and restore hope to those in need.
One of the mission’s notable milestones was a child-protection advocacy campaign in 2019, which took its message to the streets, internally displaced persons’ camps, schools, radio, television and social media. The campaign sought to raise awareness about children’s safety and demand legal accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse. Ugwumadu said the initiative attracted collaborations that helped extend the mission’s advocacy to other states.
She explained that the target of more than 600 children for the anniversary celebration was driven by the desire to reach more vulnerable children with love, joy and hope. The choice of Ikoga-Zebbe community followed last year’s charity party, where the team discovered that many children had never attended such a celebration.
“Seeing their excitement as they experienced something so simple, yet so meaningful, was deeply moving,” she said, adding that the experience strengthened the mission’s resolve to return and do more for them. This year’s event will take place on the mission’s land in the community, providing more space for the expected beneficiaries.
Ugwumadu said the mission’s work went beyond providing material needs to building trust, creating safe spaces and helping children grow with dignity, confidence and hope. Looking ahead, she disclosed plans to establish a children’s resource centre offering counselling, health and food assistance, educational support, and referrals to safe shelters, skills acquisition opportunities, a library, technology training and a play area.
She called for sustained partnerships with charitable organisations, corporate bodies, professionals, individuals and volunteers to help expand the mission’s reach and provide lasting support for vulnerable children.
Also speaking, the Programme Coordinator in Nigeria, Mrs Darasimi Ajibade, said preparations were underway for the celebration, with volunteers coordinating arrangements and mobilising support to ensure its success.
As part of the preparations, the mission will conduct a donation pick-up drive from December 1 to 15, seeking support from individuals, companies and other well-meaning Nigerians. Items needed include clothes, bags of rice, food items, and packs of drinks, toys, books, school supplies, shoes, accessories and other gift items. Food and beverage companies are also being encouraged to contribute products or financial assistance.
Ajibade urged the public to support the initiative, noting that timely donations would help the organisers prepare adequately for the celebration. The mission noted that donors can arrange collection by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 09064577318 or 08130887176, or emailing saveachildmission@gmail.com.
As the mission prepares to enter its second decade, Ugwumadu expressed appreciation to its donors, partners and volunteers, reaffirming its commitment to reaching more children and building a future in which every child enjoys protection, care, opportunity and hope.
Mrs Jane Obiageli Ugwumadu, Mission Coordinator
A cross-section of children at the past event
Mrs Darasimi Olajide, Programme Coordinator, Nigeria
