The Stanel Group and the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation have withdrawn all support and affiliation from Jofin Orphanage Home in Rukuba, Jos, following what they described as “alarming reports” of alleged child abuse involving the operators of the facility.
The decision was announced on Wednesday during an urgent press briefing in Jos.
Speaking at the briefing, the Group Legal Officer, Chukwuemeka Okeke, said the move was approved by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, after internal reviews and external reports raised serious concerns about the welfare of children at the facility.
“We were deeply disturbed by the reports we received. The Stanel Group and the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation cannot, in good conscience, maintain any association with an institution that is now facing such grave and troubling allegations. Our values are rooted in protecting the vulnerable, not enabling harm, and we must draw a clear line,” Okeke stated.
He clarified that the Foundation’s involvement with the orphanage had been purely humanitarian, with no management or ownership role. He also dismissed public speculation suggesting the foundation owned or operated the facility.
“Our engagement with Jofin Orphanage Home was purely humanitarian. We intervened because we found children living in conditions that were deplorable and almost inhumane.
“Our support included feeding programs, educational materials, and a full renovation of the facility, from infrastructure upgrades to the installation of ICT and security systems, all aimed at ensuring the children had a safe and dignified environment,” he said.
Okeke further stressed that the Foundation has now severed all ties with the orphanage.
“We wish to state clearly and without any ambiguity that the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation is not the owner, manager or operator of Jofin Orphanage Home or any other similar home. We vehemently debunk these rumours and entirely distance ourselves from the alleged malpractices of the operators. All support from the Foundation has been withdrawn with immediate effect.”
He also confirmed that the organisation has formally notified authorities, including the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, requesting a full investigation.
“There must be accountability. We are urging the appropriate authorities to move swiftly, to intervene decisively, and to ensure that the rights and welfare of the children, as guaranteed in Nigerian law, are protected without delay,” Okeke added.
He described the situation as heartbreaking and called for greater vigilance in child-care institutions.
“Our hearts go out to the smart, promising children and young people at that facility. They deserve safety, dignity and the assurance that adults entrusted with their care will not exploit or harm them. There can be no compromise when it comes to safeguarding innocent children from abuse,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of Jofin Orphanage Home had not issued an official statement in response to the allegations or the withdrawal of support.
