FACADO @ 20: From One Room to a Home of Hope for Over 50 Vulnerable Children

By Fatima Saka

What started as a humble dream in a single room 20 years ago has blossomed into a home of hope for more than 50 vulnerable children, as Facado Orphanage Home marked its 20th anniversary in an atmosphere of excitement, thanksgiving and emotional testimonies.

The anniversary celebration, held at the Nasarawa State branch on Saturday, brought together the founder and director of FACADO, Amb. Mrs. Ngozi-Anih George, her husband, staff, volunteers, partners, well-wishers, former beneficiaries and the children.

The colourful ceremony was filled with memorable moments, including the cutting of the anniversary cake, presentation of Holy Bibles to the children, unveiling of commemorative calendars, cultural dances, music, prayers and dancing, as guests celebrated two decades of sacrifice and transformed lives.

For George, the journey was not simply about keeping an orphanage; it was about becoming everything the children needed.

Recounting her experience, she said she had, at different times, served as director, teacher, nurse, nanny, cook, driver and even bus conductor in her determination to ensure that no child under her care was left without attention.

“I have worked as a director piloting their affairs. I’ve worked as a teacher to our children, a nurse and a doctor to them, a nanny as well, a cook, a driver and even a conductor,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

George said FACADO began with a vision to provide love, care, education and hope to vulnerable children but had grown into a life-changing mission that had touched numerous children and families.

She attributed the survival and growth of the organisation to God’s grace and the support of individuals, organisations, staff, volunteers, community leaders and other partners.

She also recounted some of the difficult moments that tested her resolve, including an occasion when a child was rushed to Maraba Medical Centre around midnight while gasping for breath.

According to her, despite the financial demands placed on the home at the time, they made the necessary sacrifices until the child received treatment and recovered.

“That was one of our greatest triumph moments,” she said, stressing that the experience reinforced her belief that the work was sustained by God’s grace.

The founder, however, said the challenges remained enormous, particularly as the economic situation continued to put pressure on the cost of feeding, education, healthcare and accommodation.

She appealed to the Federal Government, corporate organisations, churches and well-meaning Nigerians to increase their support for the home.

“There is nothing you can do without finance. We need support to take good care of them in terms of shelter, education, medical bills and feeding,” she said.

FACADO currently operates branches in New Karu, Nasarawa State, and Abuja.

The Director of the New Karu branch, Mr George Omale, described the 20-year journey as one marked by challenges, sacrifice and God’s faithfulness.

Omale urged Nigerians to support vulnerable children, stressing that generosity was not always about having plenty but about having the heart to give.

“The hand that gives receives blessings and reward from God. Our God is not a sleeping God, and He has been the one behind these things all through,” he said.

The emotional high point of the celebration came when former beneficiaries took the microphone to testify about how FACADO had changed their lives.

Their stories drew applause and excitement from guests, particularly as some revealed that they had gone on to pursue higher education, acquire skills and build lives outside the country.

One of the beneficiaries, Timothy Ben, who spent about 13 to 14 years at FACADO, said the home had given him the opportunity to develop himself and prepare for the future.

He disclosed his ambition to become a graphic designer while expressing gratitude for the care and support he received at FACADO.

Another former beneficiary, Miracle, gave an emotional testimony about the impact of the home on her life, saying FACADO had shaped her education, values and Christian faith.

She said she remained determined to succeed and make the organisation proud wherever life took her.

Her testimony was greeted with warm applause, underscoring the significance of FACADO’s work beyond providing food and shelter.

Also speaking at the event, Pastor Don Titus of Equal Children Ministry described FACADO as a “great ministry,” saying his organisation visited the home to teach children the importance of compassion, love and generosity.

Titus said the 20th anniversary had given him a new perspective on the level of sacrifice required to raise vulnerable children over such a long period.

He called on government and other stakeholders to support the home with educational, medical and other essential facilities.

“Giving is not all about when you have; it is all about the mind,” he said, urging Nigerians to help vulnerable children enjoy security, wellbeing and happiness.

For Reverend David C. Galadima, a retired minister and long-time associate of the home, the occasion was deeply personal.

Galadima described George as a “mummy of mummies,” praising her for taking responsibility for children whose hopes might otherwise have been lost.

He expressed delight that some of the children had grown, progressed academically and even reached university.

He prayed for God to open more doors for FACADO and connect the organisation with people capable of providing sustained support.

A staff member, Glory, also described working at FACADO as a rewarding experience, praising George for her kindness and commitment to the children.

She said some former beneficiaries were already doing well outside Nigeria, expressing confidence that those still at the home also had bright futures ahead.

Glory appealed to government to assist with the children’s education, noting that the founder had shouldered much of the financial burden over the years.

Another long-time supporter, Mercy Andrew, a businesswoman, said she had known and visited FACADO for more than a decade.

She said she often visited with her children, bringing items to share with the beneficiaries, while joining them in prayers and other activities.

Andrew prayed for the children to excel academically, become self-reliant and find fulfilling careers and families in the future.

The celebration later turned into a carnival of joy as the children took centre stage with vibrant cultural performances.

Their energetic dances, smiles and excitement drew cheers from the guests, while the presentation of Bibles, unveiling of calendars and cutting of the anniversary cake added colour to the historic occasion.

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Amid the celebration, the anniversary also served as a reminder of the work that remains ahead.

For George, the milestone is not the end of the journey but a renewed commitment to ensuring that vulnerable children receive the love, education, healthcare, shelter and opportunities they deserve.

From one room to two branches and more than 50 children, FACADO’s 20-year journey stands as a testimony of resilience, compassion and faith — and a call for more Nigerians to join the mission of restoring hope to children in need.