Life often begins with a loss for many children growing up in orphanages. Loss of family. Loss of stability. Sometimes, even the loss of the basic sense of belonging that many take for granted.
Behind the laughter and innocent smiles are stories shaped by abandonment, hardship, uncertainty, and the daily struggle for survival. For orphaned and vulnerable children, access to education, healthcare, emotional support, and even everyday necessities can become privileges rather than guarantees.
Despite these realities, many of these children continue to dream. They dream of becoming doctors, engineers, teachers, innovators, and leaders. They dream of opportunities beyond the walls of homes that shelter them. What they often need most is not pity, but people and organisations willing to believe in them enough to invest in their future.
This belief inspired the recent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach by ITH Holdings and OED Foundation to the Fatherless and Motherless Children Aid Organization (FACADO) in Abuja.
Founded in 2006 by Ambassador Ngozi-Anih George, FACADO is a faith-based, community-driven orphanage committed to providing care, shelter, education, and developmental support to abandoned and underprivileged children. Over the years, the organisation has become more than just a shelter; it has become a home, a haven, and a place where vulnerable children are given another chance at life.
Currently caring for children between the ages of 1 and 19, FACADO continues to operate through the dedication of caregivers and the support of individuals and organisations committed to giving hope to children who need it most.
ITH Holdings and OED Foundation provided financial support towards the upkeep of the children and the operational sustainability of the orphanage home. In addition, tuition support was provided for 14 children, a contribution that will significantly ease the burden of educational expenses and help secure continued access to learning opportunities for the beneficiaries.
For many orphanages, one of the greatest challenges is sustainability. Feeding, healthcare, school fees, clothing, utilities, and everyday welfare come at a cost, and these institutions often rely heavily on donations and partnerships to continue operating effectively.
Speaking during the outreach, Olusegun Enitan Dada (OED), Group CEO of ITH Holdings and Founder of OED Foundation, noted that CSR should go beyond optics and become a genuine commitment to social impact and community development, creating opportunities for others.
“The true measure of leadership is not in what we build for ourselves, but in what we make possible for others. Through OED Foundation and ITH Holdings, our mission is to create opportunities that empower people to rise beyond limitations. Being here is a part of our broader commitment to building a future where every child has the chance to dream, grow, and succeed.”
According to Head, Brand, Marketing and Communications, ITH Holdings, this is beyond the financial support provided, the visit also created an opportunity to spend meaningful time with the children through moments of laughter and encouragement, reminding each child that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
“We believe impact goes beyond business performance. Real success is measured by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for others. Visiting FACADO was a reminder that small acts of intentional support can create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable children. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to underserved communities,” Muola Awolowo, Head, Brand, Marketing and Communications, ITH Holdings
Expressing appreciation for the support received, Ambassador Ngozi-Anih George, Founder of FACADO Orphanage Home, described the visit as timely and deeply impactful.
“We are deeply grateful to ITH Holdings and OED Foundation for this act of generosity and compassion. This support will go a long way in helping us sustain the care we provide and ensure these children continue to receive the education, nurturing, and opportunities they deserve. Partnerships like this give us hope and remind the children that they are loved, valued, and supported.”
In a world where many organisations focus solely on profit and performance metrics, initiatives like this serve as an important reminder that businesses also have the power to become agents of transformation within society.
Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer just about philanthropy; it is about building sustainable communities, creating opportunities, and contributing meaningfully to social development.
For the children at FACADO, the outreach may have lasted only a day, but the impact will extend far beyond the visit itself.
Because sometimes, changing a life begins with simply showing up.
