Support us in eliminating child crime, ASOHON urges FG

The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has called on the Federal government as well as the Nigeria Police, State Ministries, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and all child-focused organizations to support them in their efforts to mend the fragmented systems of social welfare systems in the country so as to speed up the elimination of crimes against children.

The association made the call at the South-East Summit which held in Enugu state on the 15th of November with the theme: ‘Partnering with the security agencies and the public to combat child trafficking’.

The summit was organized by the South East Zone of ASOHON initiated by the grand Patron South East Zone Chief Godson Akpulonu and the Enugu State Coordinator, Chief Dr Aikay Ubaka.
According to the ASOHON national President, Rev. Mrs. Dele George, “the theme of the summit is very appropriate because without the security agents in our nation to join hands with us, our efforts will be pure futility but the collaboration of Law enforcement, the community and ASOHON will definitely cleanse our humanitarian industry”.

She lamented the activities of caregivers who conduct nefarious and criminal activities under the guise of humanitarian service and have by so doing brought the entire industry into disrepute, thus the need to partner with the security agencies and the public to combat child trafficking.

“By virtue of what we do, we ought to be part of solutions to societal problems, but because of the activities of these rotten eggs, we are now described in all manner of filthy and demining ways. Rather than being seen as non-profit, selfless and humanitarian service providers, our operations are deemed to be money-making devices geared towards material acquisition and self-aggrandizement.”

She, however, urged genuine caregivers to fight for the cleansing of the industry and for the restoration of the dignity of caregiving.

“We should now begin to massively expose their activities and be poised to counter their strategies.

Be sure that they will fight back because of economic lucre, but we should be ready for their counter-attacks.

These are the reasons we are holding this summit to once again look at Child Trafficking as one of the evils perpetrated by some so-called caregivers, that we may develop ways and means to curb it.

“I am therefore using this opportunity to re-echo the call to every operator to put their house in order, to adhere strictly to ASOHON code of conduct, to create an optimal environment of care for our children, and to maximize all opportunities for cooperation and growth.”

She went on to say that ASOHON is here to end the fragmentation of service delivery systems to orphanage and vulnerable children.
“The uniformity of practices will help put an end to baby factories and fake orphanages.”

She further restated that the association is ready to support Government efforts to coordinate and monitor homes and orphanages.

“We are ready to support the implementation of the child right act by ensuring that violators are identified and handed over to authorities. We are ready to promote Zero tolerance for child trafficking by uniting against fake orphanages, baby factories and illegal adoption of children.”

The Secretary of the association, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Oyediji urged ASOHON members to shun all divisive tendencies and remain united to be able to pursue the noble course of saving the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria.

“I enjoin you all to co-exist well with the citizens and other charity organizations wherever your home is located and be very obedient to the laws of the land.

Extend your good hands of fellowship to all and sundry.”
The National Grand Patron of ASOHON. Pastor Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo commended the efforts of the association in her goodwill message.

There were goodwill messages from the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Gender affairs & Social development Enugu State, and Her Excellency Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi Wife of the Executive Governor of Enugu State.