The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Joy Ihensekhien (middle); The National President of ASOHON, Dr Gabriel Oyediji (3rd left); the Country Manager of BEB, Mr Silas Gyang (2nd Left); the Project manager of SOS Children’s Villages, Mr Innocent Madueke (2nd Right), with other stakeholders during the meeting with children homes operators, held at John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City. Photo Credit: MWASD
The Commissioner’s rep. (M) and stakeholders poses for the camera after the meeting. Photo Credit: MWASD
• Collaborates with Children’s home operators
Kingsley Abavo, Managing Editor, Benin
In promoting the adoption of the ‘Children First Software’ (CFS), Edo State Government has collaborated with operators of children’s homes in the State; Both Ends Believing (BEB); Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON); and the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria.
The collaboration was held in a one-day strategic meeting, with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development acting on behalf of the Government to enhance digital monitoring, strengthen child protection systems, and advance foster care advocacy.
The Ministry’s director, media, Daisy Osunde stated this in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Thursday.
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Osunde said the meeting which took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), brought together government officials, child protection partners and proprietors of children’s homes.
The meeting was to strengthen commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children through improved coordination and innovation, She added.
Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, described the gathering as more than a meeting.
Rather, it was a declaration of renewed commitment to protect children more effectively, modernize child protection systems and promote accountability.
Mrs. Abdallah emphasized that children are the most vulnerable members of the society, facing threats such as abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking and abandonment.
Addressing these challenges requires deliberate and sustained collaboration among stakeholders, she was quoted to have said.
“When we collaborate we reduce duplication of efforts, we improve case response time, we ensure holistic support for vulnerable children, we close systemic gaps that allow children to fall through unnoticed.
“Our collaboration must be structured, intentional, and sustained. We must move from working on silos to working in synergy.”
On digital monitoring, Mrs Abdallah emphasized that technology has become indispensable in strengthening child protection systems.
She explained that a robust digital monitoring framework would enhance documentation and case tracking, generate real-time data for evidence based decision-making, improve transparency, and ensure timely intervention and follow-up.
“Digital monitoring is not merely about technology; it is about building a responsive system that ensures every child’s case is recorded, monitored, and resolved appropriately.
“With secure and well-managed digital platforms, we can transform how child protection services are delivered.”
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of strengthening foster care advocacy to promote safe, well-regulated, and supported family-based alternatives for children without parental care.
Further, she also stressed the need for public awareness about foster care, establish proper screening and training for foster parents, ensure consistent monitoring, and clear operational guidelines.
Mrs. Abdallah was said to have urged stakeholders to remain united in purpose and commitment, as they advanced child protection reforms.
“Let this strengthened collaboration produce measurable outcomes, safer societies, stronger families, and a responsive child protection system that leaves no child behind.
“Let us rise above institutional boundaries. Let us rise above personal interests. Let us rise with one voice and one purpose; to protect every child!”
Continuing, the National President of ASOHON, Dr. Gabriel Oyediji, while delivering his address commended the Edo State Government for creating an enabling environment for reforms and progressive child protection initiatives.
He noted, that child care practice has evolved significantly over the past decades; with higher standards, increased accountability and greater expectations.
As operators of children’s homes are no longer merely caregivers but custodians of the future, accountable to government, society, and the children themselves.
Oyediji emphasized that modernization, accountability and professionalism are no longer optional; but essential in today’s child protection landscape.
While acknowledging the critical role institutional care plays, particularly in emergencies, Dr. Oyediji stress that it should serve as a temporary bridge toward family-based solutions.
This is as he encouraged home operators to view foster care not as a threat, but as a fulfillment of their mission to ensure the holistic well-being and long-term stability of every child.
Similarly, the Country Manager of BEB, Silas Gyang, provided a detailed demonstration of how the Children First Software (CFS) is used.
He explained that the platform is a digital tool designed to support alternative care reforms in line with national guidelines, enabling operators to create comprehensive digital profiles for each child.
Which according to him, includes birth records, family background, health information, special needs, educational history, and all relevant legal documentation.
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Outlined system’s five-step process
Gyang says it includes registration of the child, development of an individualized care plan, investigation and qualification of family options, placement in a suitable family environment, and structured follow-up to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
The system he emphasised; strengthens accountability, improves case management, and ensures that every child is visible, traceable and supported throughout their care journey.
In the same vein, Project Manager of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Innocent Madueke encouraged participants to translate the knowledge and insights gained from the meeting, into concrete action.
Madueke emphasized the importance of adhering to established child protection standards, embracing digital tools responsibly, and sustaining collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful reforms in alternative care practices.
The meeting concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing participants the opportunity to seek clarifications, share experiences and contribute recommendations, Daisy said.
Also; ‘Information, Education and Communication (IEC)’ materials were distributed to support continued advocacy, awareness and implementation of improved child protection practices across the State, she disclosed.
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