The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Bolanle Ambode, has urged the Association of Orphanage and Homes Operators in Nigeria to assist in regulating home operations according to best practices.
Ambode also called for the strengthening of the collaboration with government and other NGOs to eradicate the social evils of child trafficking, child labour, child abuse, fake orphanage homes and the violation of child right laws.
She spoke at the maiden National Conference of ASOHON in Lagos on Saturday.
Ambode commended the initiatives of orphanage homes and other care-givers in the country.
She, however, urged them to promote awareness and respect for laws relating to rights of children.
She said care giving for orphans and other challenged children was a humanitarian task that comes with pain and personal sacrifice.
She said: “You took it upon yourselves within limited available resources to keep and protect these vulnerable ones, wiping their tears when they cry; feeding them when they are hungry; offering them a shoulder upon which to rest their tired heads, putting smiles on their forlorn faces; and above all reassuring them that life is worth living after all.
“Your contributions to society can neither be measured nor quantified. It is my prayer that the good Lord, who delights in service to the less privileged, richly rewards you all.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the National President of the association, Rev. Dele George, said ASOHON can and will assist the federal, state and local governments to add value, effectiveness and excellence to the social welfare system as it pertains to the well-being of all vulnerable children.
According to George: “ASOHON is not in existence to truncate the efforts of government.
“We are here to collaborate and cooperate as well as consolidate on the efforts of government.
“Our goal is to chart a cause for our industry and brainstorm on actionable solutions to challenges confronting our orphanages and our vulnerable children.”
George, who said ASOHON would partner the government to make the issue of baby factories a thing of the past, urged all homes to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission to be full members of the association.
She used the opportunity to appeal to all levels of government to assist the homes for the sake of the children.
Speakers at the Conference included civil rights activist, Barrister Festus Keyamo; and the Secretary of ASOHON, Rev. Gabriel Oyediji.
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