“No Child Should Be Left Behind” — Grace Nda-Kato Launches 12 Books, Unveils National Campaign for Vulnerable Children
By MandateNews
LAGOS— It was an inspiring gathering of authors, educationists, clergy, child advocates and development stakeholders as Mrs. Grace Ekene Nda-Kato officially unveiled twelve books and launched a renewed national campaign to rescue vulnerable children from poverty, neglect and educational exclusion.
The event, held in Lagos on Saturday, August 1, brought together distinguished guests who commended the author for transforming her painful childhood experiences into a movement of hope for thousands of disadvantaged children across Nigeria.
At the centre of the event was the unveiling of “Left Behind Children,” a book that has become the flagship publication of the newly expanded vision of the Life Together for All People Foundation.
“I lost my mother when I was five years old. That pain never left me, but God turned it into purpose,” Mrs. Nda-Kato said during an interview with MandateNews
According to her, the foundation, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2022, is committed to identifying children who have dropped out of school because of poverty, neglect or the loss of parental care and connecting them with individuals and organisations willing to restore their future.
“I don’t have to wait until children come under my roof before helping them. We can find them in schools and communities before they become completely forgotten,” she said.
The author explained that although she previously served as Co-Director of Will-Will Orphanage, she gradually realized God was leading her into a broader humanitarian assignment beyond institutional care.
Among the books unveiled were Left Behind Children, God, Are You There?, The Sound of Her Voice, Let Go of Yesterday, Who Stops You?, Remember Him, and God, Use My Regrets, each inspired by different seasons of her life’s journey.
Professor Aku-Ugah Commends Humanitarian Vision
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Theophilus Aku-Ugah, Vice-Chancellor of Highstone Global University, Texas, USA, described the publication as a timely intervention.
“This is more than a book; it is a call to national responsibility. Every society will eventually reap the harvest of how it treats its vulnerable children,” he said.
The professor noted that his travels across Africa, Europe and the Americas had exposed him to the growing crisis of abandoned and neglected children.
He praised Mrs. Nda-Kato for moving beyond identifying societal problems to offering practical solutions through literature and humanitarian service.
“As a writer, I understand the discipline required to produce a work of this quality. This book deserves to be read by policymakers, educators, parents and every Nigerian who desires lasting social transformation,” he added.
In demonstration of his support, Professor Aku-Ugah purchased five copies of the book for ₦100,000 and encouraged others to partner with the foundation.
Husband Describes Wife’s Journey as “Purpose Born Out of Pain”
Speaking with MandateNews, Apostle Isaiah Abundance Nda-Kato, husband of the author and founder of the orphanage ministry, described his wife’s journey as a testimony of resilience, compassion and divine purpose.
“My wife turned her deepest childhood pain into hope for thousands of children. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her, she chose to become an answer to the prayers of vulnerable children,” he said.
He explained that while the orphanage established in 2008 provides shelter, feeding, education and adoption support, the Life Together for All People Foundation focuses on mobilising partnerships to reach vulnerable children beyond orphanage walls.
“We believe every child deserves not only food and shelter but also education, dignity and the opportunity to fulfil God’s purpose,” Apostle Nda-Kato stated.
He commended the Lagos State Government for its support through the Office of the First Lady and appealed to other state governments, corporate organisations, churches and well-meaning Nigerians to strengthen support for child-focused initiatives across the country.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Mrs. Nda-Kato said the greatest challenge she faced in publishing the twelve books was funding, explaining that the manuscripts had remained completed for years before they were eventually printed together.
She expressed optimism that individuals, churches, corporate organisations and development partners would join the foundation in ensuring that vulnerable children receive access to education, protection and hope.
“Our assignment is simple: identify the problems, bring partners together and restore lives. Everyone has a role to play,” she said.
The unveiling concluded with goodwill messages from guests, book presentations and renewed commitments to support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
For many in attendance, the launch represented more than the unveiling of twelve books. It was a national call to action—a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, protected and given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.