Lagos orphanage records 378 adoptions in 32 years

Over its 32-year history, Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos has successfully facilitated the adoption of 378 children, with 40 of them being adopted by families overseas. The orphanage, founded by Mrs. Christiana George, has been a sanctuary for hundreds of abused, abandoned, and vulnerable children.

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Our first adopted child is in the United States today. In the last 32 years, 378 children have left this orphanage through adoption, and 40 of them were adopted abroad.

Mrs. George, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday and launched her book "Call to Love," described the orphanage as the first indigenous orphanage approved by the Lagos State Government in 1994. She recounted the initial struggles and skepticism surrounding adoption in Nigeria, noting that many couples were hesitant due to concerns about the background and health of abandoned children. "We went from church to church telling people that adoption is an act of love. Gradually, confidence grew, and many couples embraced it," she said.

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I was initially pessimistic about adoption. But I prayed and obeyed the call. We went to the ministry to obtain approval, and adoption became part of our mission.

The orphanage has witnessed numerous success stories, with former residents becoming professionals in Nigeria and abroad. George shared harrowing experiences of children rescued from severe abuse, including one whose father burned her leg and another found abandoned in a nylon bag. "We thank God that those children are alive today and making remarkable progress," she stated.

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We went from church to church telling people that adoption is an act of love. Gradually, confidence grew, and many couples embraced it.

Initially pessimistic about adoption, Mrs. George eventually embraced it after obtaining approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. The orphanage's rehabilitation programs have enabled many former residents to pursue higher education and establish successful careers. The emergence of more orphanages across Lagos in recent years is seen as a positive development.

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We had a child whose biological father burnt her leg as punishment. Another child’s mother attempted to slit the baby’s throat.