The Stanel Group and the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation have withdrawn all support and affiliation from Jofin Orphanage Home in Rukuba, Jos, following what they described as “alarming reports” of alleged child abuse involving the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 announcement was made during an urgent press briefing held in Jos on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists, the Group Legal Officer, Chukwuemeka Okeke, said the decision received full approval from the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, after internal findings and external reports raised serious concerns.
“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,” he said.
Okeke clarified that the Foundation’s involvement with the orphanage had been purely humanitarian and not administrative, operational or ownership related. He added that recent public assumptions suggesting the Foundation owns or manages the facility are false.
“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
“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 All support from the Foundation has been withdrawn with immediate effect,” he explained.
He also disclosed that the organisation has formally written to authorities including the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for 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.”
He further expressed concern for the children affected by the situation, describing them as promising and deserving of protection.
“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 a formal response to the allegations or the withdrawal.
