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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R) cheering up a young girl at the SOS Village Nigeria while others look on during the 60th Anniversary Ceremony.


Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) joins officials, staff and residents of the SOS Village Nigeria to commemorate the 60th Anniversary.
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Speeches

Nov 26, 2009 - 60th Anniversary Celebration Of SOS Children’s Villages Worldwide

Today, we celebrate 60 years of an enduring vision of Herman Gmeiner whose experience of deprivation as an orphan and the trauma of the World War II inspired in him the concept of SOS Children’s Village to provide home, care and support for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.

In Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State where the first SOS Children’s Village was established here in Isolo, we also join the SOS Children’s Village family in celebrating 36 years of caring and giving hope for needy children in our society. I congratulate the leadership, staff and volunteers in the three locations where SOS Children’s villages currently operate in Nigeria for their commitment, hard work and sacrifice in the past 36 years.

It is most heart-warming to note that through the establishment of this institution, quite a number of children whose circumstances of their birth and vulnerable condition gave them no chance of living a meaningful life have become success stories and a pride to this great institution. These children who would have become a liability and social menace to the society have witnessed a turnaround in their lives contributing to the progress and development of the same society.

As we celebrate six decades of life changing care and support for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children, let us reflect on the conditions of several other children in similar condition roaming our streets and being subjected to various forms of abuse and trafficking. We must take a cue from the success story of SOS Children Villages and lend a helping hand in giving hope for a better future to children in need. A little care and support would make a big difference and the society will be more peaceful and secure for everyone.

Once again, I congratulate you all and wish you success in the successful and speedy completion of the SOS Children’s Village presently under construction in Jos, Plateau State.

Wishing you all merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State