Lagos' Little Saints Orphanage Celebrates 32 Years, 378 Children Find Homes

The Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos has successfully facilitated the adoption of no less than 378 abandoned and orphaned children over its 32 years of operation, with 40 of these children finding new families in foreign countries. This significant milestone was revealed by the orphanage's founder, Mrs. Christiana George, on Sunday, during a triple celebration held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. The event marked the orphanage’s 32nd anniversary, Mrs. George’s 70th birthday, and the official launch of her book, “Call to Love.”

Mrs. George highlighted that the Little Saints Orphanage, which received approval from the Lagos State Government in 1994 as the first indigenous orphanage, has been instrumental in rescuing hundreds of vulnerable, abandoned, and abused children. Many of these individuals have since grown to become accomplished professionals both within Nigeria and internationally. She stated, “Our first adopted child is in the United States today. In the last 32 years, 378 children have left this orphanage through adoption, and 40 of them were adopted abroad.”

Recounting the orphanage’s journey, George explained that the concept of adoption was initially met with hesitation. However, after prayer and a call to action, they pursued and obtained approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, subsequently integrating adoption into their core mission. “I was initially pessimistic about adoption. But I prayed and obeyed the call. We went to the ministry to obtain approval, and adoption became part of our mission,” she shared.

She noted that many Nigerians initially viewed adoption with skepticism, raising concerns about the background and health status of abandoned children. To address this, the orphanage embarked on awareness campaigns, going “from church to church telling people that adoption is an act of love.” Over time, public confidence grew, leading many couples to embrace adoption, with some even conceiving biological children afterward.

George reminisced about the orphanage’s early days, when more than 50 abandoned babies arrived within just two years, creating immense financial strain. “In those days, tins of milk were consumed every three days. I wondered how we would continue to feed all the babies until God impressed it upon me that the children were not meant to remain with us but to be adopted into loving families,” she recalled.

The founder also shared distressing accounts of children rescued by the home, including severe abuse cases. She cited instances such as a child whose leg was burned by their biological father as punishment, another whose mother attempted to slit their throat, and a baby found abandoned in a nylon bag near a refuse dump. “We thank God that those children are alive today and making remarkable progress,” she affirmed.

Through its comprehensive rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration initiatives, the orphanage has seen dozens of its former residents successfully complete university education and build thriving careers both in Nigeria and abroad. Mrs. George also expressed satisfaction with the proliferation of other orphanages in Lagos over the years, which she believes complements government efforts in caring for vulnerable children. “When we started, there were very few private orphanages. Today, there are more than 70 orphanages in Lagos. That means no child should have to live on the streets,” she observed.

She appealed to Nigerians to actively report instances of abandoned or abused children to the police or the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, rather than turning a blind eye. “If you see a child suffering on the streets, don’t look away. Take the child to the nearest police station or alert the ministry so the child can be rescued and properly cared for,” she urged.

Mrs. George extended profound gratitude to her husband, family, donors, and various supporters, whose consistent contributions have been vital to the orphanage’s sustained operations for over three decades. Her newly launched memoir, “Call to Love,” delves into her journey into humanitarian service and the establishment of the orphanage.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Social Development, Lekan Oba, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable citizens. The Governor lauded Little Saints Orphanage for acknowledging that the government cannot solely bear the responsibility for children’s welfare, commending its 32-year advocacy to ensure every child has the opportunity for a good life.

Dr. Eugene Okorocha, who reviewed the 128-page book, noted that it meticulously documents a 32-year journey driven by a vision to improve society. Distinguished guests at the celebration included Bishop Peace Okonkwo, Founder of the International Women Prayer Conference; Mr. Gabriel Oyedeji, Vice President of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria; and Dr. Adesuwa Sodipo, a long-time friend of the celebrant, who received a special distinction award.