Uyo, Nigeria — Residents of the Divine Children Home, a state-run orphanage in Akwa Ibom State, staged a protest this week, accusing government officials of concealing the facility’s systemic neglect during a visit by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), an organ of the African Union (AU).

Divine Children Home's protest

Dressed in uniforms hurriedly sewn for them to look good and receive their guests, the children expressed frustration over their exclusion from directly engaging with the ACERWC delegation. Instead, they allege that officials presented a former resident—identified as Barrister Bright Bassey, who left the home five years ago—as a proxy speaker. According to the children, Bassey read a scripted speech intended to portray a positive image of the facility, despite no longer sharing their lived reality.

“We came here together, but they chose to sponsor only one person while the rest of us struggle. That’s injustice,” said Iniobong Ime, one of the protesting youths. Nearly 40 of the home’s estimated 200 children, most of whom were previously labeled as ‘witches,’ have reportedly dropped out of tertiary institutions due to lack of support. The children claim Ms. Bassey is the sole beneficiary of government-sponsored education, having graduated in law from the University of Uyo.

More than 30 children who initially sought refuge at the government-run center ultimately returned to the streets, unable to cope with the harsh realities they faced—lack of food, educational support, school hostel accommodation, and access to essential school materials. Others endured long, exhausting treks just to attend school. These systemic shortcomings had devastating consequences: six children reportedly lost their lives during this period, while eight became pregnant, victims of neglect and the crushing weight of frustration.

Allegations extended beyond educational neglect. The children described their living conditions as “degrading,” citing poor-quality food and an environment infested with bedbugs, rats, and mosquitoes. They also claimed that in preparation for the AU delegation’s visit, the government hastily renovated the building’s exterior, leaving the interior untouched.

Divine Children Home protest

Tensions escalated when the children issued a warning to Ms. Bassey, urging her never to speak on their behalf again unless she is genuinely representing their interests.

In a further revelation, one resident reported overhearing the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, allegedly advising the delegation not to visit privately run children’s centers, ostensibly to prevent exposure of broader issues such as child stigmatization and abandonment. The same source cited a recent case of a child dying on the streets of Uyo on the day of the ACERWC visit—highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive child protection reforms.

The protest has intensified calls for transparency and accountability in child welfare institutions across Nigeria.https://youtube.com/shorts/mTGPrv-fPQs?si=7vn1qIpGVXcV7BlO