By; DAHIRU SULEIMAN, Dutse
Since the renovation of Dutse Orphanage Home in 2018 by the Staff Club of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Jigawa State Chapter under its corporate social responsibility, things have fallen apart in regards to proper patronage on the side of Jigawa State Government, a situation which calls for attention.
Investigations by New Nigerian Newspapers reveals that poor patronage, absence of water and food supplies are least among the contributing factors leading to the collapse of Dutse orphanage home.
Presently, the home which looks untidy is grossly out of foodstuff and sufficient water supply for the orphans, as they only rely on volunteers with compassion, supplying them with what to eat, depending on one’s capability.
Supply of water among other cooking utensils are grossly inadequate, coupled with poor health facility in taking care of their illness.
Malama Fatima Rabiu who is the house keeper of Dutse Orphanage Home told our reporter that the home is on the verge of collapse due to poor patronage from the Jigawa State Government.
“Honestly, if things continue without taking prompt action, I bet you, the Dutse Orphanage Home will soon collapse as we’re living without enough food to feed the orphans, no sufficient water supply, no beddings for our kids to sleep, and we are faced with acute shortage of mattresses for the orphans,” she outlined.
Other predicaments according to her, include scarcity of firewood for cooking of food for the orphans, no cooking oil, and recreation facility for the kids to entertain themselves.
“Also, we are faced with shortage of manpower, as three personnel to care for hundreds of kids is grossly inadequate,” she lamented.
She further complained, saying, “since I volunteered to serve this orphanage home about four years ago, I wasn’t given a penny either from the state government, nor Dutse Local Government Council. I managed this home with the help of God out of my little savings and earnings being a private entrepreneur.
“My appeal to the state government is that let them revive this home through supporting it with adequate foodstuff, medication, provision of enough water supply, and improve beddings and mattresses to cater for the orphans, as well as to give me offer of appointment for me to settle down to look after my home and family”.
All efforts to get in touch with either the Jigawa State Commissioner of Women Affairs and the Director Child Welfare Development for further comments proved abortive as none of their mobile phones were connecting.
