Health
Lagos Pledges Stronger Protection, Welfare For Children In Orphanage
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights and improving the welfare of vulnerable children in orphanage homes.
The Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, gave the assurance at a stakeholders’ engagement with founders and operators of orphanage homes in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event took place on Wednesday in Ikeja.
NAN reports that the meeting focused on operational standards and regulatory compliance for orphanage homes.
Ogunlende said the state would ensure the welfare and future of every child, particularly those without parental care who relied on institutional support for safety, nurturing and development.
He said that while compassion remained the foundation of caring for vulnerable children, it must always be complemented by professionalism, accountability and strict compliance with established operational standards.
“Orphanage homes occupy a strategic position within our child protection system.
“Beyond providing shelter, they are expected to create safe, nurturing and enabling environments where children receive quality care, education, healthcare, psychological support and opportunities to realise their potentials.
“The state has established clear operational standards to ensure that children in orphanages enjoy a safe and child-friendly environment, with access to quality healthcare, education and psychological support,” he said.
The commissioner said the state remained committed to protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and trafficking, while ensuring proper documentation, case management and family tracing where applicable.
He stressed the need for orphanage homes to maintain professionalism, transparency and accountability to strengthen service delivery.
Ogunlende called for continuous dialogue, collaboration and shared learning, noting that government alone could not achieve sustainable child protection.
“We deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of faith-based organisations, NGOs, charitable institutions and private operators who continue to complement government efforts in caring for vulnerable children across Lagos State,” he said.
He encouraged stakeholders to engage government, share their experiences, identify challenges and collectively develop practical solutions to improve child care services in the state.
The commissioner urged operators to provide quality care for children with special needs, adding that government would continue to provide palliatives to support their welfare.
He also promised that the state would consider establishing a halfway home as a transitional arrangement for orphans above 18 years.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said the engagement would strengthen collaboration between the ministry and operators of orphanage homes across Lagos State.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the meeting focused on the protection, care and holistic development of vulnerable children entrusted to the ministry and home operators.
She emphasised the need for robust regulation and effective oversight of residential child care facilities.
According to her, every orphanage home operating in Lagos State must comply with all applicable laws, policies and regulatory requirements.
“The minimum operational standards expected of every registered orphanage home include proper registration, licensing and periodic renewal with the ministry.
“Safety, proper hygiene and child-friendly facilities that meet prescribed standards, as well as employment of qualified, screened and adequately trained caregivers, must be ensured.
“There should also be comprehensive documentation, record management and case tracking, sound financial accountability and functional child safeguarding policies.
“These will ensure that every child receives quality care in an environment that promotes safety, dignity, emotional well-being and healthy development,” she said.
She said regulatory compliance was mandatory and not optional.
The permanent secretary added that the ministry would continue routine monitoring, inspections and assessments to ensure adherence to approved standards.
She warned that appropriate sanctions would be taken against facilities operating below acceptable standards or compromising the welfare and rights of children.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the recruitment of social workers in orphanage homes was necessary and mandatory, adding that the ministry would collate the names of social workers in various homes for inclusion in training programmes.
She also encouraged stakeholders to prepare orphans between the ages of 16 and 18 for independent living by equipping them with livelihood skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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