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 aimed at supporting foster care system in 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 and vulnerable children.

Meanwhile, Oyediji in his remarks emphasised the need for foster care as a necessary shift for the children, as despite efforts of institutional care, they need alternative systems that would provide better welfare and secure their future especially with life skills.

He noted the vital roles orphanages and children’s homes in the country have been playing 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 support the foster care system 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 they can transition to alternative care through advocacy.

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 550 organisations are registered with ASOHON to monitor their activities and ensure they complied to stipulated standards.

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