By Esther Onyegbula

Little Saints Orphanage on Sunday celebrated the 70th birthday of its founder, Rev. Mrs. Christiana Bamidele George, marked the institution’s 32nd anniversary, and unveiled her new book, Call to Love, in a ceremony that brought together government officials, business leaders, clerics and humanitarian stakeholders in Lagos.

The three-in-one celebration, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, attracted dignitaries from across the country despite heavy rainfall and flash floods experienced in parts of Lagos that evening.

Among those present were the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Social Development, Mr. Olalekan Biliamin Oba, who represented Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Kay Ovia of Zenith Bank, Chief Executive Officer of GDL, Pastor Kola Ayeni, and respected cleric, Bishop Peace Okonkwo, who ministered at the event as Guest Minister of Honour.

The celebration highlighted Rev. George’s more than three decades of humanitarian service through Little Saints Orphanage, widely regarded as the first indigenous private orphanage registered in Lagos State since 1994.

Founded in 1994, the orphanage has provided shelter, education, healthcare and emotional support to orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children across Nigeria.

The institution also stated that, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, it has facilitated the adoption of many children into loving families within and outside Nigeria over the past 32 years.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Rev. George’s new book, Call to Love, which chronicles her journey in humanitarian service, faith and child welfare advocacy.

According to the organisers, the book offers lessons drawn from decades of caring for vulnerable children and seeks to inspire individuals, organisations and communities to embrace compassion and service to humanity.

Speaking ahead of the celebration, the organisers described the gathering as “more than just an anniversary celebration,” noting that it was a recognition of “a life devoted to service, the enduring legacy of humanitarian impact, and a renewed call for compassion in building a better society.”
The event also featured a music ministration by gospel artiste, Temitayo Benson, who was recently appointed Director of Little Saints Orphanage.

Temitayo Benson, one of Rev. George’s biological daughters, led guests in a worship and praise session before performing her new single, Jesus mo ni fe re, produced by Dejikeys.

According to the organisers, her songs emphasise the need for society to love and support vulnerable people, whom she describes as “the objects of our love.”
The performance drew emotional reactions from guests and added colour to the celebration.

As the orphanage commemorated 32 years of operation, stakeholders applauded the institution’s contributions to child protection and welfare, describing Rev. George’s life as an enduring example of compassion, sacrifice and service.

Little Saints Orphanage, based in Lagos, remains dedicated to the care, protection and development of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children in Nigeria.