By David Lawani, Abuja
Orphanage homes and child welfare organisations across Nigeria have commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for recruiting 27 qualified orphans into the nation’s domestic intelligence agency, describing the initiative as a life-changing intervention that has restored hope to vulnerable young Nigerians.
The groups said the recruitment, which is still ongoing, demonstrates an uncommon commitment to social inclusion by giving young people who grew up without parental care an opportunity to build meaningful careers in public service.
They noted that, beyond offering employment, the initiative has given beneficiaries dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Administrators of orphanages and child welfare institutions said the development sends a strong message that talent, rather than family background or social status, should determine opportunities in the country.
Rev. Sister Antonella Okeke, Director of Holy Child Motherless Babies Home, Holy Ghost, Enugu North, Enugu State, described the recruitment as a turning point in the lives of the beneficiaries.
“Having been raised in orphanages with limited prospects, the chance to serve in the DSS is something I never imagined possible,” she said.
According to her, many of the beneficiaries had faced enormous obstacles while growing up, making the opportunity to join one of Nigeria’s foremost security agencies both remarkable and inspiring.
She said the initiative would encourage many children in orphanages to remain focused on their education despite difficult circumstances.
The Administrator of Margaret Garba Orphanage/Less Privilege Home in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Rufina Edache Ejembi, also praised the DSS Director-General for what she described as a compassionate and visionary decision.
She said the recruitment proves that no Nigerian child should be denied opportunities because of circumstances beyond their control.
“This decision sends a powerful message that no Nigerian child should be left behind, regardless of their background or family situation,” Ejembi said.
The orphanage operators said the recruitment would not only transform the lives of the beneficiaries but also inspire confidence among thousands of vulnerable children living in orphanages across the country.
They urged other government agencies, private organisations and corporate institutions to emulate the DSS by deliberately creating opportunities for qualified young Nigerians raised in orphanages.
According to them, many children in orphanages possess exceptional academic qualifications and leadership potential but are often denied opportunities because of social prejudice and limited access to employment.
One of the administrators described the initiative as a model deserving national recognition.
“This initiative is highly commendable. It reflects the agency’s determination to build a more inclusive and humane institution that looks beyond paperwork and privilege to discover talent and potential in every corner of Nigerian society,” the administrator said.
The groups maintained that policies promoting inclusion would strengthen national development by ensuring that capable young Nigerians are not excluded from contributing to the country’s growth because of their family background.
They expressed hope that the recruitment exercise would encourage broader reforms aimed at expanding access to education, skills acquisition and employment opportunities for children raised in orphanages across the country.
