The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria, Ogun state chapter, has urged the Federal government to collaborate with them to tackle child trafficking in Nigeria.
This appeal was made during a rally organized by the association in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, to commemorate World International Orphans Day.
The World Orphans Day is declared by Worldwide Organisation for Charity (WOC) formerly known as World Orphan Centre (WOC), with the prime purpose to raise awareness and provide a common platform for orphans and underprivileged children related activities all over the world
The State Coordinator of the association, Beloveth Edima Ekpo, who lamented the high rate of child trafficking in the country, argued that government collaboration with operators of orphanages is crucial to ending the narrative.
She also lamented that orphans in some parts of Nigeria are still accused of witchcraft, calling on the government to take urgent action against such.
She said ” We are having this rally in order to create awareness to the world about the plights of orphans and vulnerable children out there and to let them know that our association is here to speak for them.
“I would like to thank the Ogun state government for what they are doing for orphans in terms of education but they still need to do more.
“In some places in Nigeria, some children are accused of witchcraft, with this rally, we wish to educate the people that these things are wrong.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Adewole Adejumoke said the state government will continue to prioritize the interest of orphans in the state and give them fair treatment.
She however urged the association to cooperate with the state government to build a better future for orphans.
She said “The Ministry will always be ready to partner and collaborate with your association to put a smile on the faces of these children. I want to encourage you to be passionate about what you do as home operators.
“Let us know that these children are in our care and they don’t have a place to go and they see you as their own so treat them as you will treat your children. The state government is always so please implore your members to cooperate with us.