Kwara govt, orphanage operators partner to strengthen protection of vulnerable children
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and welfare of vulnerable children through stronger collaboration with stakeholders in the orphanage and childcare sector.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) at the ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin.
Imam said the government remained determined to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve service delivery standards across orphanage homes in the state.
She explained that the renewed partnership with ASOHON would ensure proper training of operators, strict compliance with established guidelines, and adherence to required standards before approval to operate.
The commissioner stressed the need to sanitise the sector by eliminating unethical practices, adding that only credible and compliant operators would be allowed to run orphanage facilities in the state.
She described the initiative as necessary to safeguard the rights, dignity, and welfare of children under institutional care.
Imam added that the ministry would intensify monitoring and evaluation of facilities to ensure continuous compliance, while also rolling out capacity-building programmes to equip operators with modern child-centred care practices.
Earlier, the National President of ASOHON, Dr. Gabriel Oyediji, commended the state government for its reforms and consistent support aimed at improving standards in orphanage homes.
He said the association was ready to work closely with the ministry to promote professionalism, accountability, and better care systems across the sector.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to child welfare and pledged continued collaboration in advancing best practices in childcare.
