Kwara Shuts Unapproved Orphanage, Rescues 30 Children

The Kwara State Government has shut down an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin and rescued 30 children aged between two and 15. The children have been moved to a government-approved shelter for medical care and psychosocial support. The Kwara State Government has shut down an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin, the state capital, and rescued 30 children from the facility.The...

• The Kwara State Government has shut down an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin and rescued 30 children aged between two and 15.
• The children have been moved to a government-approved shelter for medical care and psychosocial support.
• The Kwara State Government has shut down an unapproved orphanage in Ilorin, the state capital, and rescued 30 children from the facility.The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, were rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home by officials of the state Ministry of Social Development.Following the operation, the children were moved to a government-approved shelter, where they are receiving medical attention, food, education, and psychosocial support.The state Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the intervention was aimed at protecting the children and assessing their individual needs and circumstances.According to her, the children are undergoing medical screening, nutritional support, and psychosocial counselling, while officials are also working to trace their families.She explained that family reunification would be pursued where it is considered safe and appropriate.The commissioner added that children who cannot safely return to their families would be placed in approved care facilities after proper documentation and assessment.She also directed all orphanages, children's homes, and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State to obtain the necessary government approval.Approved facilities have equally been instructed to clearly display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government,” on their signposts to help members of the public identify authorized establishments.The Director of Social Work in the ministry, Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies and stakeholders involved in child protection.