‘To provide specialised care’ — FG to revamp orphanages in FCT

The federal government says it will revamp orphanages in the federal capital territory (FCT) to provide specialised care and support for vulnerable children in Abuja.

Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, the secretary of the FCT women affairs secretariat, spoke on Sunday, during an event to mark International Orphanage Day at a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Abuja.

Benjamin-Laniyi said the government is launching a comprehensive initiative that would prioritise the welfare of children in orphanages.

She said the initiative is geared toward assessing existing orphanages by a ministerial committee with a focus on re-evaluation and adoption procedures within the FCT.

She said a specialised committee has been assigned to conduct an on-site assessment of certified orphanages under the secretariat.

“In a bid to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities, the secretariat has launched a comprehensive initiative,” Benjamin-Laniyi said.

“The project aims to redefine and upscale the services provided by orphanages across the FCT.

“The overarching goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children.

“This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

“The initiative seeks to enhance institutional reforms within the FCT administration, prioritizing sectors such as education, health, nutrition, and socioeconomic development.

“The aim is to establish a new standard of engagement between government entities and NGOs operating in the realm of child welfare.”

Also speaking, Funke Olorungbami, founder of Hospital, Orphanage and Prison Evangelism-HOPE ministry, said the event was to emphasise the need to be intentional about showing care to children in vulnerable situations.

Olorungbami called on the government to offer more empathy for orphaned children and improve policies aimed at upgrading their standard of living.