Oyo State Government and ASOHON Push for Child Welfare Support

The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Oyo State Chapter, advocated for stronger support systems for caregivers and families of vulnerable children at the 2026 COLLABORATE+ programme held at Higher Ground Baptist Church in Ibadan. The event, themed “Empowering Caregivers and Strengthening Families,” aligned with the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ 2026 theme, “LESS: Fewer Branches, Better Fruits.” Mr Gbemileke Ojerinde, Director of Child Welfare at the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, emphasized that child welfare should not solely be the government's responsibility.

He highlighted the importance of community, faith-based organizations, and civil society in supporting families. Ojerinde noted that factors such as poverty and neglect often lead to the separation of children from their families and urged stakeholders to strengthen family systems to prevent unnecessary separations.

He also mentioned the development of the Oyo State Alternative Care Guidelines aimed at improving child protection and promoting family-based care.