Orphanages Operators advocates care system for vulnerable children

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), has called for urgent steps to strengthen Nigeria’s foster care system as a sustainable alternative for the care and protection of vulnerable children.

National President of the association Revereend Gabriel Oyedeji, made the call in Abuja at the opening of a two-day seminar themed “From Vulnerability to Stability: Time to Strengthen Foster Care in Nigeria.”

He noted that while orphanages and children’s homes have played an important role in providing temporary shelter for orphans and abandoned children, institutional care is not a long-term solution.

“Research and global best practices have shown that children thrive best in a family environment where they experience love, belonging, and emotional support. This is why foster care, which provides stable and nurturing homes, must be prioritized in our national child welfare system,” Rev. Oyediji stated.

He highlighted several challenges hindering the development of foster care in Nigeria, to include weak policy frameworks, low public awareness, inadequate funding, and limited training for foster parents.

Rev. Oyediji therefore called on government at all levels, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector, to work together in promoting foster care for child care in the country.

The ASOHON President also stressed the need for comprehensive training and emotional support for foster parents, with stronger collaboration and advocacy efforts to ensure every child has a loving home.

He commended ASOHON coordinators across the states for their dedication to child welfare, while appreciating SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for its longstanding commitment to promoting family-based care.

The two-day seminar is expected to produce practical recommendations to enhance foster care practices, improve policies, and strengthen support systems for vulnerable children in Nigeria.

The seminar brought together ASOHON coordinators from across the country, representatives of government agencies, child protection advocates, and development partners, including SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria.