JKNewsMedia
SHAPING THE lives of vulnerable children through education and sound moral guidance has remained central to the mission of Baytur Rahmah Orphan Foundation (BROF), which continues to extend full or partial support to thirty-four orphans across Nigeria.
The organisation confirmed that ten of these children are currently pursuing studies in tertiary institutions, while the rest are at various stages of nursery, primary, and secondary education.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BROF, Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, said the organisation’s commitment is rooted in ensuring that orphans achieve their potential and contribute positively to society.
She also explained that the foundation prioritises academic progress and moral development as twin pillars for building capable individuals who will not be left behind.
Providing examples of the children’s progress, Yusuf-Ajibade highlighted the success of a beneficiary who has completed studies at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and will soon be inducted into the physiotherapy profession.
She also noted the achievement of another ward, Miskilu Aminat Olaitan, who graduated with a first-class degree and is presently serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to her, Aminat is available to pursue further studies through scholarship opportunities after completing her service year.
Yusuf-Ajibade emphasised that the foundation sets clear expectations for academic diligence and moral uprightness.
She further urged beneficiaries and their caregivers to remain focused on building character alongside scholastic excellence, warning that those who fall short of acceptable standards risk losing the foundation’s support.
“We must excel academically and morally. Lazy and complacent students who are unyielding to words of wisdom from mentors can neither benefit themselves now nor in the future.
“Such students would have no one to blame if we eventually drop them off the list,” she said.
She encouraged families and caregivers to play a stronger role in guiding the children, stressing that good conduct begins at home before extending its benefits to society.
She warned that distraction from negative influences in both online and offline spaces could derail the progress of orphans and called for vigilance in protecting them from societal ills.
Acknowledging the role of supporters, Yusuf-Ajibade expressed gratitude to regular donors whose contributions make it possible for the foundation to sustain its programmes.
She appreciated both individuals and organisations, naming among them Hajia Fawziyyah Emiabata and Hajia Bilkis Oke, who donated books, as well as Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Bi Jahi Fatiha Foundation, and the Muslim Education and Social Health arm of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.
She sued for continued blessings upon the donors, many of whom remain anonymous.
Also, she appealed to more public-spirited individuals to join hands with the foundation in order to secure the future of vulnerable children.
She linked the foundation’s work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which promote education, equality, and poverty reduction, and said inclusion of orphans is essential to achieving those objectives.
According to her, every investment in the life of a child reduces the risk of exclusion and strengthens the hope of building a society where no child is left behind.
On the financial commitments required to sustain the work, Yusuf-Ajibade disclosed that the foundation spent almost six million naira (N6mn) on education and welfare support for orphans during the year ended 31 December 2024.
She added that cheques amounting to about N3.8 million were being presented to cover tuition and educational supplies for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session, with most payments made directly into schools’ accounts.
She then noted that the organisation continues to face rising school fees and other expenses, requiring more consistent support to meet ongoing commitments.
Yusuf-Ajibade concluded by reaffirming that the foundation’s work is a long-term journey to equip orphans with the education and values necessary to stand firmly on their own.
She called for more donors to come forward, assuring that their contributions will help secure a future where orphans are educated, guided, and empowered to live productive lives.
