– Say vulnerability not weakness but stepping stone to success
By Aisha Olowoyobiojo
Experts have called on Nigerian youth, especially orphans, to build confidence, resilience, and self-worth, saying that vulnerability is not weakness but a stepping stone to success.
They made the call on Sunday, August 31, at the 4th Annual Capacity Development Programme for Orphans and Vulnerable Youth, organised by The Sisters in Deen Foundation (SIDF) – custodians of Baytu Sakeenah Orphanage (Home of Tranquility).
Muslim News gathered that the event, held at Baytu Sakeenah Orphanage, Ogba, Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos, began with a psychotherapy session and empowerment talks, focusing on the theme: Vulnerability: The Bridging Gap to Success.
Guest speaker, Hon. Justice Sherifat Solebo, in her keynote address, emphasised the importance of resilience and strength, urging victims of abuse to speak up. “Nobody has the capacity to kill you if you have been inappropriately touched,” she said.
She criticised divorced couples for neglecting children and urged parents to return to God’s guidance. On youth vices, she said, “If the government fulfills its duty of providing free education up to JSS3, many children will be better positioned for success.”
Medical doctor and psychotherapist, Dr. AbdulFattah Olajobi, encouraged the children to dream boldly, emphasizing that pain and struggle can fuel success, regardless of background.
He reminded them that vulnerability does not prevent achievement, citing examples of leaders who overcame hardships.
The psychotherapist said, “What you are now shouldn’t determine what you are meant to be. Vulnerability doesn’t mean defeat; it can fuel greatness. Nelson Mandela and MKO Abiola struggled but still succeeded.”
Mrs. Modupeola Adebambo, Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Social Workers (Lagos Chapter), urged children to build confidence, resilience, and self-worth, stressing the role of supportive adults.
She emphasized self-worth and confidence saying that mistakes are part of growth if lessons are learned from them.
“Children must learn to overcome fears, seek guidance from trusted adults, and accept mistakes as lessons for growth.”
Earlier in her welcome address, SIDF President Dr. Nurat Akinlabi-Babalola stressed on the importance of children, saying that their vulnerabilities do not limit their future potential.
She highlighted the foundation’s motivation, including building leaders and aligning efforts with Islamic teachings on caring for orphans.
Dr Akinlabi-Babalola described the programme as an “after-care evaluation” to empower children to discover their potential as innovators and future leaders, adding “without doing this for them, the work will be in vain. We are building leaders and generations.”
Also speaking, SIDF Welfare Officer, Mrs. Basirat Oladosu, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to children’s health, schooling, and reintegration.
She also explained that the foundation ensures children’s healthcare through Lagos State’s ILERA EKO programme and agreements with private hospitals, adding that the reintegrated children are monitored and supported even after leaving the orphanage.
“Yes, we give our children top-notch care. Some have reunited with families, and we continue to follow up. We strive to raise them as complete citizens, spiritually, academically, and socially,” she said.
The event concluded with the reminder that vulnerability can be a catalyst for growth and success, while SIDF reaffirmed its role in empowering youths with tools to overcome circumstances and achieve their dreams.
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