By joshua 
Alternative care of Children: Kogi restates commitment to care, protection, Inaugurates 20 man Technical Working Committee.
The Kogi State Government has restated it commitment and passion toward providing adequate care and protection for children living in the State.
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The Kogi State Commissioner For Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, made the disclosure at the close of a week long stakeholders engagement on the National guidelines for the alternative care of Children in Kogi State.
The Commissioner disclosed that the State is committed to putting in place adequate care for vulnerable children, with particular emphasis on orphans, children on the street and others that are vulnerable.
The Commissioner said the engagement with the relevant stakeholders who are involved in child care and protection is to put in place actions and responsibilities that needs to be taken by stakeholders towards protection and care of Children.
The Commissioner added that while the State has over the years operated some models in child care and protection, said with the efforts to domesticate the policy by the State, it will ensure that the State laws are adequately strengthened to meet the current realities.
The Commissioner further explained that towards achieving the objectives of the National guidelines, reason for the composition of the State Action Committee to drive guidelines in the State.
The Commissioner promised to carry out vigorous sensitization and advocacy towards ensuring that every aspect of the society is informed and carried along in the implementation of the State Guidelines for care and protection of children.
Earlier in her remarks, the Interim State Lead of the Child protection Network Kogi State, Barr. Lilian Okolo said the engagement is to collaborate and domestic the National Guidelines to suit the State peculiarities.
She disclosed of a 20 man Technical Working Committee made of line Ministries that include: Health, Education, Justice, Police, Women Wing of CAN and FOMWAN, said when operational, challenges associated with individuals seeking to foster children, care for abandoned children on the street amongst others associated with care and protection would be a thing of the past, as the new guidelines she explained defines each role of stakeholders as well as addresses the challenges associated with fostering and moving children away from the streets.
In her remarks, Hon. Isah Fatima Umar, SSA to the Speaker, Kogi State Children’s Parliament as well as Chairperson, Committee on information and National Orientation, Clerk, Nigeria National Children’s Parliament described the domestication of the National Guidelines for the State for alternative care of Children in the State as a welcome development, said it could not have come at a better time, praised the collaboration.
The engagement was facilitated by Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with
Child Protection Network Nigeria and
Supported by SOS Children’s villages, Nigeria