The Kwara State Government has commenced post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of 30 children rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility in Ilorin, with the children now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support.
The rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development following the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.
The rescued children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.
The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children, assessing their immediate needs, evaluating their health and educational conditions, and providing the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.
She explained that the children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.
She added that children who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure that their individual needs are adequately addressed.
The Commissioner assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progresses.
The Commissioner further directed that all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State must be duly registered and approved by the Ministry of Social Development.
She also directed all duly approved facilities to clearly display the inscription “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts for easy identification by members of the public.
She commended the State Government for its commitment to strengthening child protection and ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who was involved in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders in ensuring the welfare and future of the children.
He said: “This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives.”
According to caregivers, the intervention has provided the children with improved living conditions and access to better feeding, healthcare, education and psychosocial support.
The rescued children expressed optimism that their new environment would translate into better opportunities and contribute to a brighter future.
Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary
Ministry of Social Development
0806 232 5157
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
INSTAGRAM
