Rich Nigerians must cultivate the habit of charity-Ganiyu Dosumu, new ASHON boss

BY DAMOLA EMMANUEL

The newly chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Association of Orphanage and Homes Operation, ASHON, Prince Ganiyu Dosumu, on Friday, sent a strident call to Nigeria’s men and women of means to show more interest in supporting charity as millionaires and billionaires in the civilised world do.

Dosumu, a trustee of the Peace of Life Orphanage Home, Lagos, made the passionate plea in an interview with The Crest.

The new state boss of ASHON said he was pained that Nigeria had so many millionaires and billionaires who, rather than commit to charitable works, helping the less privileged in the society to enjoy and not endure life, they splashed their wealth on wild parties, women and wine.

“Despite the huge endowments the Almighty God blessed Nigeria with, despite the rising population of millionaires and billionaires in our society, many Nigerians still face an uncertain tomorrow,” Prince Dosumu said. “Millions of Nigerians suffer in the midst of plenty.

“Many cannot afford a decent meal a day. Many are destitute, living in squalid conditions, dying of easily treatable diseases. And we have many millionaires and billionaires who never pause to look at the plight of these unfortunate ones.”

Dosumu, who was elected Lagos State Coordinator of ASHON, on November 11, 2018, was more pained at the seeming lack of interest in orphanages by rich Nigerians, leaving the operators to run from pillar to post in order to take care of the people in these homes.

“God rewards acts of mercy abundantly,”Dosumu continued. “Our money bags must realise that there is great reward in giving hope to the hopeless, helping the helpless and bringing a big smile to the faces of the underprivileged ones in homes and orphanages across the country. I appeal to them to develop interest in acts of mercy to the under privileged.”

Dosumu, a businessman, builder, famer and politician, was elected Coordinator of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Orphanage and Homes Operation, last November, for a tenure of two years.

Also elected to serve with him for the same duration are: Mr. Victor Uzomah, who was elected for a second term as secretary; Mrs Vivian Adoga, Assistant Secretary; Rev. Isaiah Abundant Nda-Kato, Treasurer; Mrs. Olaide Olufunke, Financial Secretary; and Mr. Olarewaju Abraham, Public Relations Officer.

In his maiden speech, the new coordinator promised that he and his team will “operate a robust and all-inclusive administration that will promote remarkable development of ASHON.”

Prince Dosumu also pledged that his executive will “compliment government’s efforts to improve the life of abandoned children and orphans in Lagos State; improve internal communication and promote unity among orphanage homes; assist government, through information, to reduce unapproved orphanage homes that are prone to illegal and fraudulent practices; and increase in-house training of members in running orphanage homes according to global best practices.