The Chief Executive Officer of HoganHost and ZuumHost, a web hosting firm, Joseph Effiok, has lamented the growing trend of child abandonment in the country, urging Nigerians to take responsibility for pregnancies and stop leaving babies at orphanages or in unsafe places after birth.

Effiok made the appeal during a visit to Motherless Babies Home, Lekki, Lagos, on Monday as part of activities marking his birthday on June 10 and the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The CEO, who visited the home alongside members of his team, said he was deeply moved after hearing the stories of how many of the children found their way into the facility.

He said, “I felt compassion for all the beautiful babies and hearing the stories of how they came here. I only came with my team in commemoration of my birthday and as part of our corporate social responsibility. But what I have seen today has built a passion for this not to stop but to continue.

“I really think youths and Nigerians who become pregnant should endeavour to take responsibility for their pregnancy. You don’t abandon a child for another person to train. No matter what happens, keep the child.”

According to him, society must continue to promote responsible parenting and create support systems that discourage child abandonment.

Also speaking, a social worker at the home, Mrs Tosin Lawal, urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and avoid abandoning children after birth.

She disclosed that many of the children at the facility were victims of abandonment, while others were rescued from child trafficking situations.

“People should always take responsibility for whatever happens in their lives in terms of pregnancy. If you are not prepared, don’t go near it or better still use protection because giving birth and throwing children away is really uncalled for.

“A lot of people are praying for children but do not have. Now God gave you a child and you keep the baby by the roadside. It is a sin if they don’t know,” she said.

Lawal advised parents who are unable to care for their children to seek assistance from trusted relatives or responsible individuals rather than abandoning them.

She added, “If you know you are not ready to take care of your children, please use protection. If you have children and you cannot take care of them, look for someone you know is capable. Give the children to them and continue to monitor their welfare.

“Don’t give children to people you don’t know very well and don’t trust. Some of our children were brought here from child trafficking situations. Some parents leave their children recklessly and they are taken.”

She warned that abandoned children often become vulnerable to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

The delegation was led by Effiok and included the Chief Operating Officer of ZuumHost, Ruth Boyle; Human Resources Officer, Esther Bassey; Technical Head of HoganHost, Frank Ibingo; and a support team member, John Abia.

The team donated essential items to the home and spent time interacting with the children and management, reaffirming their commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society through corporate social responsibility initiatives.