The Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has rescued 30 malnourished children from an unapproved orphanage and children’s home in Ilorin.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnafatima Imam, who led the operation, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children.
The Press Secretary of the Ministry, Rasheedat Shodunnke, confirmed this in a statement.
She said the state government had commenced post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of the children rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, with the children now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support.
Following the operation, the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, dissociated itself from the facility, saying it was not a registered member of the association and was therefore not recognised.
In a joint statement, the association’s Chairperson, Mrs Omolehin Christie, and Secretary, Ayub AbdulGaniy, said ASOHON Kwara operates only recognised, registered and approved homes that comply with the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.
“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children.
“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the ministry’s Press Secretary explained that the rescue operation followed the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.
She said the rescued children, aged between two and 15, had been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they were receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.
According to her, the ministry would assess their immediate needs, evaluate their health and educational conditions, and provide the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.
She added that the children were undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the ministry was also working on family tracing and reunification.
“Those who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure that their individual needs are adequately addressed,” she explained.
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