Kwara State Government has rescued 30 children from an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin and commenced their assessment, rehabilitation and family tracing to safeguard their welfare and future.
The children, comprising boys and girls aged between two and 15, were rescued on Thursday by officials of the state Ministry of Social Development following the discovery of irregularities and concerns over their welfare and living conditions at the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home.
Following the intervention, the children have been moved to a government-approved shelter where they are receiving care, medical attention, psychosocial support and necessary documentation under the supervision of the Ministry.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the intervention was aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of the children and ensuring that their immediate and long-term needs were properly addressed.
Imam said the children were undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while efforts were being made to trace their families and reunite them with relatives where considered appropriate.
She said children who could not be safely reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities after proper documentation and assessment.
According to her, the rehabilitation process would continue until the children regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence.
The commissioner also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in the state to obtain proper registration and approval from the Ministry of Social Development.
She further directed approved facilities to prominently display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government”, on their signposts to enable members of the public easily identify legitimate child-care institutions.
The commissioner commended the state government for its commitment to strengthening child protection and shielding vulnerable children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in protecting vulnerable children.
“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together.
“We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives,” he said.
Caregivers at the approved shelter said the intervention had provided the children with improved living conditions, better feeding, healthcare, education and psychosocial support.
The rescued children, according to the ministry, have also expressed optimism that their new environment would provide them with better opportunities and a brighter future. U(vitalnewsngr.com)
