By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the School of Disciples (SOD) Family of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) visited the Stella Obasanjo Orphanage in Bwari on Saturday, donating a variety of food items to support the children and caregivers.
During a brief ceremony, the Regional Coordinator of RCCG’s SOD, Pastor Kunle Adeleke, commended the orphanage’s staff for their commitment and compassion in caring for the children.
“I can only imagine the challenges involved in taking in children who are not yours biologically. It’s not easy,” Pastor Adeleke said. “But you have accepted them as your own, and for that, the Lord will settle you. Every burden of yours, because of these children, God will lift it. You will never regret taking care of them.”
He emphasized that their visit was in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the vision of RCCG’s CSR initiatives. He encouraged the caregivers to accept the church’s donation as a token of love and support, assuring them that God would multiply their efforts and rewards.
In a short exhortation from Psalm 127:3, Pastor Omilaju Gbolahun shared a message of hope and identity with the children.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord,” he said. “You belong to God. You are His property, and the owner of a property does not let it suffer. Even if no one else cares, God does. Your future is secure in His hands.”
Quoting 1 John 4:4, Pastor Gbolahun continued: “‘Little children, you are of God, and greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.’ You have overcome the power of death and any enemy that seeks to harm you. God has destined you for greatness.”
He concluded by proclaiming a future filled with purpose and significance for the children, saying, “Among you are future Presidents, Governors, and Senators. The world will celebrate you, and God will rewrite your story for good in Jesus’ name.”
In her vote of thanks, the Director of the orphanage, Mrs. Hanani Harmony Ibe, expressed profound gratitude to the RCCG SOD Family for their generosity and spiritual encouragement.
“I’m most grateful, first and foremost, for the prayers and declarations made here today. I believe they will come to pass,” she said.
Mrs. Ibe also acknowledged the presence of a founding member of the orphanage, affectionately referred to as “Mama,” who returned in July after 17 years.
“This visit feels like a divine restoration. You have come to revive a place I left 17 years ago. I’m careful to give all the glory to God,” she said. “This has always been my passion. At 63, I should be resting, but I can’t because I love these children.”
She recounted the history of the orphanage – “Child Care Trust” under the support of her late boss, former First Lady Stella Obasanjo. She explained how the vision was born from a desire to support disabled children who were often mistreated in their communities.
“I proposed the idea, and my boss told me to start immediately. We began in Wuse II, but later moved to Bwari after rent became unaffordable. The land we were given here was once used for dark purposes, but God spoke and transformed it.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by the children, she said the facility caters to a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, mobility impairments, and hearing difficulties.
She proudly shared success stories of former residents who are now thriving. “One of our girls, Ebere Ogbodo, is currently serving as a youth corper after graduating from the University of Calabar. Another boy runs a barbing salon in Bwari; another owns a shop in Nasarawa State; one is a tailor in Ebonyi. They are progressing, and your prayers will surely come to pass.”
