Founders and Operators of Homes and Orphanages in Lagos State have been charged to adhere to laid down rules and regulations to give the children in their homes proper care in line with international best practices.
This was the submission of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu in her opening remarks at a Stakeholders Meeting with Founders and Operators of Orphanages and Children Homes held today at Alausa Secretariat.
She said, “The essence of this Stakeholders Meeting is for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to rub minds with Home Operators to fashion out ways for the children to be properly taken care of. This partnership is very important to the Ministry which we are not taking for granted. If we work together, we are more effective and efficient for the good of our children”.
“The Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is passionate about the vulnerable children in the State irrespective of their religion or state of origin. He desires to see to it that every child grows to fulfil their potential no matter the background because the vulnerable today could become the leaders of tomorrow”, Pharm (Mrs.) Oke-Osanyintolu added.
In his goodwill message, the National President, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Rev. Gabriel Oyedeji said, “The relationship of our Association with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has been fantastic. Lagos State is the first state to be registered as a member of ASOHON. We commend the Ministry for the prompt response to issues affecting us as an association. We look forward to a more fruitful partnership”.
Similarly, the Coordinator, ASOHON (Lagos State Chapter), Alhaji Olayiwola Dosunmu commended the Ministry for being a listening one.
On her part, Director, Legal Department in the Ministry, Mrs. Yemisi Ogunlola emphasised the need for Founders and Operators of Orphanages and Homes to comply with the Child’s Rights Law because it emanated from the International Treaty which the Lagos State Government is a signatory to.
“It’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to implement and enforce the Child’s Rights Law. The Law is incidental to operating a home in Lagos. Sections 176-183 deal with homes. Homes must be registered with the State Government. The Law places a huge responsibility on the Homes just as the State has its responsibility. However, the Homes should put themselves under the regulation of the Ministry”, Mrs. Ogunlola added.
In their various remarks, the Director, Social Welfare, Mrs. Toyin Jaiyeola and the Director, Child Development Department, Mrs. Bukayo Odukoya urged Home Operators to adopt practices that would consider the best interest of children under their care, noting that they should follow due process in taking any child into their homes.