LAGOS CJ PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR THE BLIND, ORPHANS
Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke has pledged the continued support of the judiciary to inmates of the Bethesda Home for the Blind (BHB), Idi-Oro, Mushin as well as orphans and abandoned children at Optimal Children Home (Orphanages), Isheri, Magodo, Lagos.
Justice Oke made the promise during a visit to the two establishments, alongside Judges and Heads of Departments in the judiciary, to make donations and lend support of the Lagos State government.
Addressing the staff and children of the homes, Oke assured: “Lagos State Judiciary will never forget you. Anywhere I go after my tenure, I will continue to remind my successors on the need to continue to assist you because I want you to be happy every time”.
Justice Oke, who expressed happiness about the academic excellence of the blind students and their determination to succeed in life, pledged to ensure that her successor continues to support the home and promised that students who are yet to pay their admission fees into different universities will also receive assistance.
While commending the children in the Homes for not allowing challenges to distract them from their studies, she said: “As long as you are dedicated to your studies, help will always come your way”.
The Chief Judge also commended one of the inmates, Mustapha Yusuf, a final year student of Philosophy at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, for his talent in Gospel Music and composing different tracks to soothe every challenge and negative situation confronting the children.
Responding to questions from journalists, Justice Oke remarked that her visits to the two homes were borne out of her desire to make an impact in the lives of the less privileged saying, “We need to sew seeds into many lives, particularly the less privileged. We shouldn’t leave everything to the government. I am fulfilled that despite their challenges, they still have the heart to thank God for His mercies”.
Earlier in a welcome address, Miss Philomena Cyprian, a 300-level student of Guidance and Counselling at the University ofIbadan, disclosed that 86 inmates of the Bethesda Home are in various universities across the country studying different courses.
She said 21 of the students will be graduating this year from the Universities with degrees, while 25 others wrote the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (JAMB).
Expressing appreciation to the Chief Justice, Cyprian said “Your attitude to the less privileged is not something we can sweep aside. Your life is worthy of emulation and has removed all the disorders in our hearts. Our joy is beyond measure”.
At Optimal Children Home, Isheri, Magodo, the founder, Mrs. Lola Ayo-Adedeji, disclosed that the centre has 26 children in its care, out of which 22 are in various schools.
She said the children were abandoned by their parents and picked from refuse dumps on the streets, thanking the Chief Judge for the visit and donation of different electrical appliances to the home.