Group Urges Philanthropists to Aid Government in Alleviating Economic Hardships

Taiwo Ojedele, Lagos

A non-governmental organization, the Patriotic Nigerians Forum (PNF),  has called upon philanthropists to collaborate with the Nigerian government in alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians amidst the global economic downturn.

Addressing the media in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, PNF emphasized the pivotal role philanthropic organizations can play in improving the social and economic conditions of millions of vulnerable Nigerians.

The group highlighted the pressing need for establishing orphanages, given the low life expectancy, increasing death rate, and rising number of orphans in the country.

The convener of PNF, Eric Oluwole, urged philanthropists to step up their efforts to narrow the widening poverty gap and ignite hope among the vast yet disillusioned population, especially the youth.

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The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to institute the Philanthropy Commission and establish a National Philanthropy Fund. These initiatives would serve as vital mechanisms to tackle the dire circumstances faced by underprivileged children across Nigeria.

With over 143 million children in need across Africa, Nigeria alone accounts for 17.5 million orphans and vulnerable children, underscoring the urgent need for action.

The Forum emphasised the significance of upholding the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within the Nigerian context. The legally binding international agreement safeguards the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child, irrespective of their race, religion, or abilities.