By Enyinnaya Omoke
In a major step toward strengthening child rights protection, the Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN), with support from SOS Children’s Villages, has finalized the Ebonyi State Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children.
The guidelines, facilitated by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aim to provide structured care for children who cannot remain in their family environments due to abandonment, abuse, neglect, conflict, or parental loss.
Speaking at the review meeting, CPN State Coordinator, Pastor Gabriel Odom, commended members for their dedication, describing their efforts as “a commitment that will project Ebonyi in a very good light.”
Head of Child Development at the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Nkwuda, explained that the initiative is anchored on four rights pillars — survival, development, protection, and participation. He said the review was necessary to close gaps in the state’s Child Rights Law that leave many children vulnerable.
Resource person for the domestication of the guidelines, Dr. Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin, underscored the urgency of alternative care, noting that millions of children globally live without adequate parental support. He listed kinship care, foster care, adoption, and group residential care as key options, while recommending investments in caregiver training, monitoring systems, and community awareness campaigns.
“Alternative care matters because it restores stability, safety, and opportunity for children. Damage incurred during childhood without proper care is often irreversible,” Dr. Sikiru warned.
Participants including Akuma Pascal Ifeanyichukwu and Omoha Chinasa praised the initiative, stressing that the domesticated guidelines would safeguard the future of Ebonyi’s most vulnerable children.
