By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki-led administration has been commended for its commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children in the state.
Speaking at the official launch of the Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children, the representative of the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development and Deputy Director, Child Development in the Ministry, Musa Aliu said the state government’s commitment to the plight of vulnerable children in the state has received a major boost with the launch of the guidelines.
He said the launch will serve as a compass to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which clearly recognised that children are entitled in all aspects of their lives, the right to family care and alternative care where necessary.
According to him, “The child right Act (CRA-2003) incorporates the principles enshrined in both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.”
Representative of the Edo State First Lady, Hon. Marie Edeko said the launch of the guidelines for alternative care of children is commendable, making a case for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that the implementation is successful to the benefits of children.
“After the launch, we must embark on training of critical stakeholders, embark on enlightenment and implementation of this document. We must source funds, train stakeholders, implement the guidelines and ensure that it benefits the vulnerable and orphans in the State. We must ensure full implementation and sensitize the people to use the guidelines to the benefits of the children.”
The Deputy National Director, SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Mr. Ayodeji Adelopo said Edo State is the second state after Lagos State to launch the guidelines for alternative care for children, noting “This is a significant leap to enhance the welfare of children in the state.”
