By Wisdom Agbonta
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has convened a one-day strategic meeting with operators of orphanages across the State with a view to implementing long-lasting reforms as prescribed by the new Legal Framework to ensure effective regulation, support, and monitoring of orphanages as well as to protect the rights and well-being of children in such facilities.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving the care and protection of children in orphanages. She highlighted the Ministry’s plans to implement key reforms including pre-validation exercises, routine audits, and sensitization programmes for homes owners and operators. She added that the initiatives will strengthen compliance with State guidelines, improve documentation, and identify capacity and infrastructure gaps of facilities.
Chief Idaomi outlined the State Government’s strategic priorities to include strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms; providing targeted support to credible homes; and enhancing collaboration with anti-trafficking and child protection agencies.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, represented by the Director of Public Persecution, Barr. Kingsley Odabi, highlighted the Child Rights Law’s role in protecting vulnerable children while also encouraging stakeholders to share insights and collaboratively chart a path forward to ensure that the rights and well-being of the children are protected.
Chief Magistrate, His Worship D. I. Adaimaigbo, and Justice Mary Itsueli (Mrs), provided a comprehensive overview of the Legal Framework. They emphasized that the Framework aims to protect children’s rights and well-being by addressing issues like child trafficking, inadequate care, and improper admission processes.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, emphasized the importance of education in the development of children in orphanages. He encouraged homes owners to enroll the children in school, noting that education is crucial for their development into capable and contributing members of society.
Highpoint of the event was the questions and answers segment, which enabled homes owners to seek clarifications and to gain valuable insights on best practices in childcare. The interactive session provided participants with practical guidance on how to enhance their management and care practices, ultimately benefiting the children in their care.
Present at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, the Commissioner of Police, CP. Monday Agbonika, representatives of operators and owners of orphanages, amongst others.
L-R
The Director of Public Persecution, Ministry of Justice, Barr. Kingsley Odabi; Justice Mary Itsueli (Mrs); The commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., The Chief Magistrate, His Worship D. I Adaimaigbo; The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, Commissioner of police, CP Monday Agbonika, The Director Social Mobilisation, Edo SUBEB, Mrs Eunice onuwabhagbe; the Director of Child Department, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Kate Bello
During the strategic meeting with orphanage home owners held at the New Festival Hall in Government House
