The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), on Saturday, raised concerns over the plight of millions of orphaned and abandoned children in Nigeria.
ASOHON also called on the government, civil society organizations, and the public to support the establishment of a robust foster care system that prioritizes the wellbeing and future of vulnerable children in Nigeria.
ASOHON National President, Rev. Gabriel Oyediji, who disclosed this in Abuja, at a two-day seminar, stressed that while orphanages provide temporary shelter, research shows that children thrive best in family environments.
He called for increased awareness, policy reforms, and government support to strengthen foster care programs in the country.
He stressed that while orphanages provide temporary shelter, research shows that children thrive best in family environments, and called for increased awareness, policy reforms, and government support for foster care programs.
He said: “Across Nigeria, millions of children are orphaned or separated from their families due to circumstances such as poverty, conflict, abuse, and abandonment. While orphanages and children’s homes play an essential role, institutional care is not the ultimate solution.
“Global best practices have shown that children thrive best in a family setting, where they experience love, belonging, and consistent emotional support. Foster care offers a stable and nurturing home environment, ensuring children’s rights, dignity, and well-being are protected.
“However, despite its benefits, foster care remains underdeveloped in Nigeria due to inadequate policies, lack of awareness, insufficient funding, and limited capacity-building for foster parents and caregivers.”
ASOHON’s Vice President for the Northern Region, Mrs. Sandra Chikan, highlighted the organization’s efforts in monitoring orphanages and combating child trafficking.
According to her, over 550 organizations are registered under ASOHON, working together to ensure orphanages operate efficiently and ethically.
She said: “We have continuously advocated for best practices and were recognized by our partners, SOS Children’s Villages, to enhance advocacy across Nigeria. If we identify illegitimate orphanages or those engaged in criminal activities, they are immediately removed from our association and reported to the appropriate authorities.”
She urged the public to report any suspicious orphanage activities, including child trafficking, illegal baby factories, or organ harvesting.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Country Director of SOS, Eghosa Erhumwunse, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to addressing critical issues in alternative child care.
Erhumwunse, was represented by Mr. Chijioke Nwakadu, stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to prevent the misuse of orphanages for illicit activities.
He said: “Addressing these challenges requires stricter oversight and collaborative efforts to ensure children in alternative care are protected and not exploited.”
