The Kwara State Government has rescued 30 children from an unapproved orphanage and children’s home in Ilorin, the state capital.
The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, were rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home by officials of the state Ministry of Social Development.
The government said the intervention followed the discovery of irregularities and concerns regarding the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.
Following the operation, the children were moved to a government-approved shelter where they are receiving care, medical attention, food and psychosocial support.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the immediate priority was to assess the children’s health, educational needs and general welfare.
She disclosed that the ministry had commenced comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling for the children, while efforts were also underway to trace their families.
According to the commissioner, children whose families can be safely identified and reunited with them will be returned where appropriate, while those who cannot be safely reunited will be considered for placement in approved care facilities after the necessary documentation and assessment.
The state government has also commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the presence and care of the children at the unapproved facility.
Meanwhile, the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, has dissociated itself from the facility.
The association said the orphanage was not a registered member of ASOHON and was not among the homes recognised and approved by the state government. It also condemned operations by unapproved facilities that could endanger children’s welfare.
The state government has directed operators of orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions to obtain the necessary approval and comply with regulations governing such facilities.
Approved homes have also been instructed to clearly display “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts to help members of the public distinguish authorised facilities from unapproved ones.
The government said the rehabilitation and assessment of the rescued children would continue as authorities work to establish their identities, trace their families and determine appropriate long-term care arrangements.
