Ojo, Lagos · Nigeria
We stand with orphans, vulnerable children and the homes that care for them — so that every child, irrespective of gender, race or belief, gets the chance at a happy and fulfilled life.
Our mission
To ensure that every orphan and vulnerable child gets the chance to have a happy and fulfilled life.
Smiles for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiative (SOVCI) is a non-governmental organisation based in Ojo, Lagos State. We work alongside orphanage homes and local schools to meet children’s everyday needs and to help them believe in their own potential.
Our vision is a brighter future in which every child in Nigeria, and beyond, has the opportunity to thrive — whatever their circumstances. We raise support for children’s education, feeding, health care and general welfare, and we take that support to them through outreaches to orphanage homes.
Fact file
What we do
Our founder told PM News in 2024 that Nigeria has more than 20 million out-of-school children. Streets to School enrols children who are out of school and helps pupils from poor homes stay in class. On the International Day of Education 2024, with the Faculty of Education at Lagos State University, we gave school kits to public-school pupils in Iba LCDA, Ojo.
Illustrative photo: “Coloured Pencils” — Dave Haygarth, CC BY 2.0
We raise money and aid so children have food, shelter and schooling.
We join forces with homes, schools and other groups to reach more children.
We advocate for the rights and welfare of orphans and raise awareness of their situation.
We take care and support to children in orphanage homes, whatever their background or belief.
Talks, mentorship and life-skills sessions help children find clarity and purpose.
orphanage homes invited to our 2024 Children’s Day
BusinessDay, 2 Jun 2024Why it matters
Figures quoted by our founder in the Nigerian press.
Our journey
Our website shares pictures of outreaches delivering food and supplies to orphanage homes.
Children from homes and schools around Ijeododo and Ojo gather at LASU’s Julius Berger Hall for talks, quizzes, talent shows and live music.
School kits for pupils in Iba LCDA with LASU’s Faculty of Education, under Streets to School.
Children’s Day at the LASU Students’ Arcade, with 12 orphanage homes invited.
A World Orphans Day concert and fundraiser at Makanjuola Hall, LASU, honouring people and groups who support orphans.
In his words
“They are made for more, and they will work towards achieving that.”
“Let us come together to make a difference in the lives of orphaned children.”
We never show children’s faces. Here are the supplies we deliver and the places in Ojo where our events happen.
News
Stories from our work in Ojo, Lagos, and context on child welfare in Lagos. Each one links to the article it is based on.
Context, not a SOVCI activity: Lagos State announced fostering services and automated childcare services at a stakeholders’ meeting on adoption, guardianship and fostering.
Context, not a SOVCI activity: at a meeting with orphanage operators in Ikeja, Lagos State officials set out the standards expected of every registered orphanage home.
On World Orphans Day 2025, SOVCI raised concern about the rising number of orphaned children in Nigeria and announced a concert and fundraiser at Lagos State University.
In the news
Nigerian media reports about SOVCI. Each card opens the original article.
On World Orphans Day, SOVCI warned that the number of orphans in Nigeria keeps rising and announced its “Sing for Hope, Give for Change” concert.
Descriptive title: the original headline could not be retrieved.
The founder called on the public to support orphans and invited them to the 16 November fundraising concert at Makanjuola Hall, LASU.
A feature on SOVCI’s “Made For More” Children’s Day, where 12 homes were invited and speakers urged society to value every child.
SOVCI and LASU’s Faculty of Education gave school kits to pupils in Iba LCDA and introduced the Streets to School project.
At the SOVCI Children’s Day celebration, children from Ojo homes and schools prayed for the new government and showcased their talents.
Descriptive title: the original headline could not be retrieved.
Coverage of the Children’s Day event at LASU, where the founder asked government and companies to do more for orphaned children.
Get involved
Join our outreaches, school-kit days and Children’s Day events, or lend a professional skill.
Volunteer in LagosSchools, orphanage homes, companies and faith groups can work with us to reach more children.
Partner with SOVCIFood, school supplies and funds all make a difference. Contact us and we will tell you how to give.
How to giveOrphans and vulnerable children, mainly those living in orphanage homes or attending public schools around Ojo, Lagos — and the homes that look after them.
Send us a message by email, on Instagram or on Facebook. Our past events at LASU were made possible by partners and supporters.
Yes. Food, drinks and school supplies are the kinds of items we take to homes and schools. Please contact us first so we can direct them where they are needed.
To protect their privacy and dignity, we do not show children’s faces. You will see places, supplies and our work instead.
Guides
Free, sourced guides for people in Lagos and around the world who want their help to be safe and useful.
Contact
We would love to hear from volunteers, partners and supporters.
Ways to give
Food, school supplies and funds all help children in Ojo’s orphanage homes and schools. Message us on Instagram or Facebook, or send an email, and our team will tell you how to give.
