In a deeply moving turn of events that has gripped the hearts of Nigerians, former Big Brother Naija housemate and media personality, Uriel Oputa, has offered to adopt a baby girl who was found abandoned by a riverside in Kogi State. The child, believed to be only a few weeks old, was discovered near the Niger Bridge in the Ajaokuta area, wrapped in baby clothing and lying helplessly with a few personal items beside her.

The infant's cries were what first drew attention to the scene. A local community leader, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly walking nearby when he heard the unmistakable sound of a baby wailing. Upon further investigation, he was stunned to find the child all alone, vulnerable, and exposed to the elements. The heart-wrenching scene was captured in a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking outrage, concern, and an outpouring of compassion from the public.

Omera Ugbede Opaluwa, a resident of the area, took to social media to share the video of the discovery. According to him, the baby was quickly rescued by good-spirited members of the community who are currently taking care of her pending official intervention from child welfare authorities. While investigations continue into who may have abandoned the child and why, many Nigerians have been left grappling with questions about the growing number of child abandonment cases across the country and what can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Amidst the wave of emotions and concern, one voice stood out from the crowd—Uriel Oputa’s. Reacting under the comment section of a popular blog that shared the viral video, the reality TV star made an impassioned plea to be allowed custody of the baby girl. “Pls let me have her. She will never go hungry,” she wrote, her words resonating powerfully with thousands across the nation. Uriel's heartfelt declaration has been shared countless times and is being hailed as a shining light in a dark situation.

For many who know Uriel, her compassion comes as no surprise. Over the years, she has built a reputation not just as a vibrant personality but also as a philanthropist who speaks openly about love, healing, and humanity. Her plea to adopt the baby was not made for the cameras; it was real, raw, and deeply emotional—an honest offer to change a child’s life forever.

As expected, her comment sparked an avalanche of supportive reactions from netizens. Thousands have taken to social media to encourage authorities to consider her request and commend her for showing such a noble and motherly instinct. One user, Jahbae Solutions, commented, “Please give Uriel. She’s capable and also a God-fearing lady with a heart of gold.” Another, Pretty Otibhor, added, “Give Uriel, she wants the baby.” Dip Ogafar summed up the public’s sentiment best when he said, “The baby’s future is certain if you give the child to Uriel.”

Social media has since turned into a flurry of conversations, with many users urging relevant authorities to follow up on Uriel's offer and consider it seriously. “God bless her kind heart,” another user wrote simply, echoing the thoughts of thousands who feel inspired by her compassion.

Uriel's response has not only stirred hearts but also ignited a broader conversation about child welfare and the growing need for stronger systems that protect children who are most at risk. Nigeria, like many other countries, has witnessed a concerning increase in cases of abandoned children, often as a result of poverty, social stigma, and lack of adequate support systems for struggling parents. The story of this abandoned baby near the Niger Bridge is just one of many, but Uriel’s intervention has given it a face, a voice, and most importantly, a potential new beginning.

What remains to be seen is how authorities in Kogi State and national child welfare agencies will respond to Uriel's appeal. Legal adoption processes in Nigeria are complex, requiring a rigorous procedure including background checks, home assessments, and court approval. While these procedures are in place to protect the interests of children, many have argued that the bureaucratic bottlenecks often discourage good-hearted individuals from stepping forward.

If Uriel’s request is granted, this baby girl’s story could transform from one of abandonment and trauma to one of hope and love. It would also set a powerful example of how celebrities and public figures can use their platforms for social good, influencing positive change far beyond the entertainment space.

Uriel has yet to make a formal announcement on whether she has contacted the appropriate authorities, but her initial declaration has already made a significant impact. Her fans and fellow Nigerians continue to follow the story closely, hoping for an update and praying that the baby girl finds herself in a home filled with care and affection.

In a country often overwhelmed by headlines of hardship and conflict, Uriel Oputa’s selfless offer reminds us all that humanity and hope still shine brightly in our midst. Whether or not she ultimately becomes the child’s adoptive mother, her gesture has already done something powerful—it has united people, stirred conversations, and reminded an entire nation that every child deserves love, safety, and a chance at life.

As the video of the baby girl continues to make the rounds and Uriel’s comment continues to inspire, Nigerians wait with bated breath, not just for what happens next, but for a renewed commitment from society and its leaders to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Sometimes, it only takes one kind act to spark a national movement—and Uriel’s may just be that spark.