Every child deserves a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and the warmth of love and security. Sadly, countless orphaned children across Nigeria are deprived of these basic needs. They are exposed to abuse, homelessness, and exploitation—often hiding their pain behind forced smiles or silent tears. At OASIS Foundation, our mission is to restore hope, dignity, and future to these innocent lives, especially those who have experienced the darkest sides of human neglect.
This is not just a story of statistics. These are real lives. Real children. Below, we share five heartbreaking yet hopeful stories of orphaned children from different parts of Nigeria who were rescued through our outreach—stories that highlight why your support is vital to help us do even more. (Their names have been substituted for pseudo names for obvious reasons)
1. Chidinma Okorie – Scarred for Life, But Not Broken
Chidinma, a 13-year-old girl from Abia State, was found near the Ojota bus terminal in Lagos. She had visible bruises and burns on her back and arms. Upon rescue, it was discovered that she had been living with a distant relative after her parents died in a road accident. She was subjected to years of beatings, house chores beyond her age, and was denied schooling.
One particular incident left her permanently scarred: hot water was poured on her for “stealing” food she hadn’t eaten. She was taken into an orphanage, given medical attention, and is now attending school. She dreams of becoming a nurse—so she can help others heal.
2. Ifedayo Adebayo & His Sister, Motunrayo – Abandoned at the Park
Siblings Ifedayo (11) and Motunrayo (9) were found sleeping at the Oshodi motor park. Their mother, who struggled with mental health and substance abuse, had disappeared two days earlier. The children had been wandering, looking for food and shelter. Passersby often gave them snacks, but many others simply ignored their cries.
With the help of concerned citizens and the OASIS field team, they were rescued, bathed, fed and reassured. Their mother was later located and enrolled in a rehabilitation center where she is receiving care and counseling. The children now live in an orphanage we support and their laughter is slowly returning.
3. Ngozi Eze – The Girl Under the Bridge
At just 10 years old, Ngozi from Enugu State had been living under the Iyana Ipaja bridge for over six months. After her father died from an illness and her mother left in search of work somewhere in Lagos, she was left with an uncle who began physically abusing her. Eventually, she ran away.
When our volunteers found her, she had severe rashes, was malnourished, and emotionally withdrawn. Today, Ngozi is receiving psychosocial support and is enrolled in a community school. She has a natural gift for drawing and hopes to become an artist one day.
4. Temitope Ayodele – From Streets to Stability
Temitope, a 12-year-old girl from Osun State, was seen wandering the Marina area barefoot with visible cuts on her legs. She was reluctant to speak at first, but after days of patient care, she revealed she had been sleeping near CMS bus stop for weeks after escaping a violent household where she was beaten with sticks and locked up in a dark room for days.
Temitope was taken in by an orphanage and now lives with those who treat her like family. She recently gave a speech during Children’s Day, expressing her gratitude to those who rescued her.
5. Uchenna Nwankwo – A Young Boy With Big Dreams
Uchenna, a 14-year-old boy from Imo State, was discovered by a local trader sleeping in an abandoned bus at Mile 2. He lost his parents to a fire incident and was sent to live with a cousin who turned him into a street hawker. After enduring months of beatings and neglect, he ran away.
The Nigerian Police have co-operated and partnered with social services and an orphanage to provided shelter and therapy. Uchenna is now in school and has shown an impressive talent for math. He dreams of becoming an engineer so he can build safe homes for kids like himself. OASIS Foundation is helping support his education with a scholarship.
Your Support Can Rewrite Their Stories
These are just a few of the many lives that reside in various orphanages and touched by many kind hearted individuals and organization like OASIS Foundation. But for every child we’ve rescued, there are many more still sleeping under bridges, hiding in market stalls, or enduring unthinkable abuse behind closed doors.
We invite you to join hands with us. Your donation, time, or even sharing this story can make a difference. Let us ensure that no child has to live in fear, hunger, or pain again.
Together, we can help orphaned children escape abuse—and give them a life worth living.
To support or learn more, visit: www.oasisfoundation.org.ng
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