Association Disowns Kwara’s Illegal Orphanage Housing 30 Children

The Kwara State chapter of the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has disassociated itself from the operations of an Illegal Orphanage Home in Ilorin, where 30 children were on Thursday rescued by the state government.

The association said it only identifies with registered and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.

ASOHON’s position was contained in a statement signed \ by its coordinator, Dr Christie Omolehin and secretary, Dr Ayub AbdulGaniy.

The association praised the officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development for acting promptly to rescue 30 children from the illegal orphanage.

“The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, wishes to inform the general public that the illegal orphanage recently detected by government officials, where 30 children were rescued, is not a registered member of our association and is not known to us.

“ASOHON Kwara State operates only recognised, registered and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.

“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children.

“We commend and sincerely thank the commissioner, Ministry of Social Development and her dedicated staff for their prompt action and commitment to child protection in Kwara State.

“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” the statement read.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that the state government had on Thursday rescued 30 children from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children Home.

The government said that the facility was operating illegally in Ilorin, the state capital.

The rescue operation was carried out 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 were receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.