….want dedicated budget for foster care-givers

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – ORPHANAGES under the auspices of Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria, ASOHON, yesterday, called on the government to formulate family empowerment policies for inclusivity sake as millions on Nigerian children and workers in different orphanages across the country.

The call was made by the National President, ASOHON, Reverend Gabriel Oyediji, at a seminar organised for ASOHON coordinators and stakeholders across Nigeria with the theme ‘From Vulnerability to Stability: Time to Strengthen Foster Care in Nigeria’, which basically focused on alternative care for orphans.

Meanwhile, Oyediji in his remarks maintained that foster care is a serious human development and there should be a necessary shift as far as other sources of sustaining the orphanages are concerned in terms of better welfare and well-being.

He also pointed out that the vital and strategic roles of orphanages and children’s homes in the country have played by saving, nurturing, giving hope and adding value to the lives of children that were in deadly situations, but today are contributing to the development of the society.

Therefore, ASOHON boss appealed to the government to address the plight of orphanages with sustainable policies, programmes and projects to support carers and foster children, especially with the prevailing economic challenges.

The Association collaborated with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria to raise awareness on the need for alternative care and promote family-based care policies.

The Country Director, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the collaboration is basically to support tackling some of the challenges confronting the children and how to ensure alternative care for orphanages.

Mr Chijioke Nwakadu, representing SOS, also expressed optimism that the seminar would avail the stakeholders to holistically address the negative use of some orphanages for nefarious activities.

Meanwhile, the Vice President, Northern Region, ASOHON, Sandra Chikan, disclosed that over the Association has 550 registered organisations which are alo out to monitor activities and curb any form of criminal activities

However, Chikan made it known that the Association is working with the government to address child trafficking in conflict areas and the root causes, therefore, the seminar came at the right time as it strengthen collaborations and renew commitment to proffer solutions to identified and existing challenges in the orphanages.

On her part, the National Welfare Officer, Mrs Grace Yaro, urged the government, private organisations, and society to support ASOHON in its efforts to transition vulnerable children to stability through the foster home model.