The Salesian apostolate in Ibadan started with the visits of some Salesians to the street kids in the Ibadan area of ​​Iwo. These were young people aged from 9 up to 25 or 30, who ended up living rough due to serious social and family problems. On the streets they met even worse problems and difficulties. They were exposed to delinquency and addiction and lacked the warmth of a family.

Their condition aroused the concern of the local Church and the Salesians in Ibadan. They began, therefore, at first with periodic activities of the apostolate, and then a more structured initiative, which consisted in renting rooms for these young people so they could at least have a safe place to stay and the Salesians would have a place where they could meet them.

However, even then it was clear that they lacked the homely touch that is essential for the growth of an individual. They thought of asking for the collaboration of some families who might adopt these young people. The few families who accepted this proposal did an immense amount of good and they offer an unparalleled testimony.

Over the years, the thought of having a specific house for these young people became stronger within Salesian circles. The idea matured greatly in the Bicentenary year as a form of homage to Don Bosco, who started the Congregation with poor and abandoned young people.

Eventually this gift has materialized and on 28 January 2017, after many months of prayer and hard work by the Salesians and collaborators and benefactors of the Salesian Family, and especially under the protection of divine Providence, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan, inaugurated and blessed the building.

During the celebration, the Archbishop praised the Salesians for their tenacity in this initiative on behalf of the most needy, and he welcomed the significant participation of former street children in the ceremony. Some work has still to be done but already the house can comfortably accommodate 40 young people.

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