The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of God’s Grace Orphanage and Motherless Babies Home, Mrs. Kate Okunrobo Odianese, has urged orphanage proprietors, caregivers and humanitarian organisations to uphold integrity, honesty, accountability and genuine compassion in protecting orphans and vulnerable children.
Odianese made the call at the fourth anniversary celebration of the orphanage on Saturday, at its residence in Evhukun Quarters, along the Sapele Road axis of Benin City, Edo State.
Reflecting on the organisation’s four-year journey, she expressed gratitude to God for the grace and guidance that had sustained its humanitarian mission despite the challenges encountered.
“Looking back over the past four years, I can confidently say that our journey has been nothing short of a miracle, a testament to God’s faithfulness, sustaining grace, and unwavering love. What began as a vision driven by compassion and a commitment to serving humanity has continued to grow into a mission of hope, care, and transformation for vulnerable children and families in our society,” she said.
She appreciated the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, fellow orphanage owners, humanitarian organisations, caregivers, volunteers and other stakeholders for their contributions to child welfare.
Emphasising the responsibilities of humanitarian service providers, Odianese described childcare as a calling requiring selflessness, patience, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to protecting children’s dignity and rights.
“Caring for orphans, abandoned children, and other vulnerable members of society is more than a professional responsibility; it is a calling that demands integrity, honesty, patience, sacrifice, and genuine compassion.
“We must always remember that every child entrusted to our care is a human being of immeasurable worth, deserving of love, respect, protection, and dignity. Their circumstances must never define their potential, and their past must never determine the limits of their future,” she said.
She stressed the need to promote children’s physical, emotional, psychological, mental, social and educational well-being, adding that every child deserved opportunities to thrive regardless of their background.
“At God’s Grace Orphanage and Motherless Babies Home, we believe that every child deserves not merely to survive, but to live with dignity, grow with confidence, and look forward to a future filled with hope and opportunity.”
Odianese called for stronger collaboration among community leaders, government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders, noting that sustainable childcare required collective responsibility.
She also urged stakeholders to support orphanage proprietors, administrators and caregivers in sustaining their humanitarian efforts.
“Orphanage proprietors, administrators, and caregivers must not be forgotten in our collective pursuit. We must encourage them, support them, recognise their efforts, and work towards creating sustainable systems that enable them to continue their work effectively.
“As people of faith, we are reminded in Psalm 68:5 that God is “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” This powerful truth reinforces our responsibility to extend love, protection, and practical support to those who are most vulnerable among us”.
The founder further acknowledged the contributions of the organisation’s local and international partners, describing their generosity and commitment as instrumental to the growth and sustainability of its vision.
“Your generosity, commitment, encouragement, and willingness to go the extra mile have been invaluable to the growth and sustainability of this vision. Through your support, you have demonstrated that compassion knows no geographical boundaries and that the desire to improve the lives of vulnerable children can unite people across nations and cultures”.
In his goodwill message, the orphanage’s patron, Evangelist Ogbemudia Osunde, commended Odianese for her resilience, compassion and commitment to humanitarian service.
He described her as a rare gem and trustworthy vision-bearer whose dedication had brought hope and transformation to underprivileged children and others around her.
