Ebonyi Govt, CPN, Stakeholders Validate Guidelines On Alternative Care For Children in Ebonyi

By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Child Protection Network, Ebonyi State Chapter, and with other stakeholders in child protection successfully validated Draft Guidelines on the Alternative Care for Children in Ebonyi State.

Speaking at the occasion, the volunteer Resource Person for the drafting of the document, Dr Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin of the Alex Ekweme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State,walked the participants through the content of the document which majorly has three sections – the General Introduction, Care Options, and Implementation Strategies.

The Director, Child Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr Emmanuel Nkwuda, and other participants appreciated the delivery of the milestone task by the Resource Person, and pledged that all supports needed from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will be given to ensure a successful implementation of Alternative Care for Children in Ebonyi State.

Also speaking, the Stake Coordinator of CPN, Pastor Gabriel Odom,stressed the need to protect children in Ebonyi State through full government support and sacrifices by actors in child protection in the state.

He particularly emphasized the need for better funding by the Government of Ebonyi State to ensure the success of this project which will undoubtedly bring solace to the children in Ebonyi State who are particularly in need of Alternative Care as a consequence to their lack of adequate parental care.

Also present in the occasion were representatives from the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, CSOs, religious and traditional rulers, among others.

The Draft Guidelines Alternative Care for Children in Ebonyi State was later validated by the Director of Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner, and he encouraged its judicious use by all stakeholders in child protection in the state.