The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has vowed to combat the emerging menace of illegal orphanages and homes in Nigeria.
Its National President Reverend Dele George and the General Secretary Dr Gabriel Oyedeji said the emergence of illegal orphanages and homes has led to the disturbing operations of baby factories in the country.
This, Reverend George said, is not a healthy development for the country.
George, the founder of Little Saints Orphanage, Lagos, said, ASOHON is set to hold a national conference on trafficking.
With the theme The Nigerian Orphans – Any hope for the future, Reverend George said
the one-day conference billed for Saturday, 22 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, is meant to bring together all operators of orphanages in Nigeria on how to improve social interventions services in the country.
George said: “Our goal is to chart a cause for our industry and brainstorm on actionable solutions to problems confronting the association and Nigerian orphans. We are hoping this event will help bring orphanages across the country together to network, get to know ourselves, exchange information and ideas that will provide a way forward to the many challenges we face to build a stronger association in Nigeria.”
As special guests of honour, the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo and the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode would be delivering keynote addresses at the conference, according to the General Secretary, Reverend Gabriel Oyedeji.
Human rights lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, will deliver a lecture on Child Trafficking in Nigeria, Causes and the Way Out while Reverend George will share the experiences of running an effective orphanage or home drawing from her 21 years’ experience in care giving to orphans in Nigeria as well as shed light on how the Lagos State Chapter of the association has been able to consolidate on her members, a feat that have been replicated in Oyo, Edo, Delta and Plateau States. Five delegates from each state are expected attend. According to Oyedeji, 25 states have confirmed their participation.
Oyedeji said: “We want to share our experience with other orphanage and home operators across the country with the idea that, after the conference, members will go back to their respective states and rally other orphanages in their state to form a united chapter in their states. The association wishes to use this opportunity to invite all operators of homes and orphanages to the conference”
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