By Michael Adeyemo
The Oyo state government has recognized the importance of creating an enabling environment that fosters the growth and development of all children, including those in foster care.
The Commissioner of Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Honourable Toyin Balogun made this known at a one day seminar on advocacy for foster care strengthening in Nigeria, organized by Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria, ASOHON, Southwest Zone, Oyo State Chapter in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages, held in Ibadan.
According to Honourable Balogun, effective foster care can help break the cycle of vulnerability and instability, empowering children to reach their full potential
Honourable Balogun who noted that the role of the Ministry is to ensure that the rights and needs of children separated from their families are protected and respected, noted Oyo state government is ready to support ASOHON.
Earlier, in his lecture titled “Strengthening Foster Care Operations in Oyo State, the National President of ASOHON, Dr Gabriel Oyediji said the challenges facing children without adequate parental care are poverty, abuse, abandonment and trafficking.
Dr Oyediji noted that collaborations across sectors to include government, faith institution, civil societies are very vital to make foster care a trusted, celebrated and functional alternative.
