By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government on Thursday confirmed the rescued of no fewer than 30 children from what they described as illegal orphanage and children home operating in Ilorin, the state capital.
This was made known to Journalists in a statement signed by the press secretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Rasheedat Shodunnke
The statement reads “the kwara state 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.”
He added that the state The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, who led the operation, stated that 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.
“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.
“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 further 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.
