The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children through strengthened collaboration with stakeholders in the orphanage and childcare sector.
The Hon. Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, 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.
Hajia Imam emphasized the government’s determination to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve service delivery standards across all orphanage homes in Kwara State.
She stated that the renewed collaboration with ASOHON would ensure that operators are adequately trained, comply strictly with established guidelines, and meet all required standards before being granted official recognition to operate.
The Commissioner further stressed the need to sanitise the sector by eliminating unethical practices, noting that only credible and fully compliant operators would be allowed to function within the state.
She described the move as essential to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and overall welfare of children under institutional care.
She added that the Ministry would intensify monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure continuous compliance, while also prioritising capacity-building programmes to equip operators with modern, child-centred care practices.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of ASOHON, Dr. Gabriel Oyediji, commended the Kwara State Government for its consistent support and proactive reforms aimed at improving standards in orphanage homes.
He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry in promoting professionalism, accountability, and improved care systems across the sector.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to child welfare and pledged continued collaboration in advancing best practices in childcare.
Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary,
MSD