The Plateau State Government has distributed food items and cash to 23 registered orphanages as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of children in institutional care.
This follows an inspection exercise carried out by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, speaking through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Plangnan Dafur, emphasized the government’s commitment to working closely with orphanage homes to ensure the well-being of the children.
He also encouraged home operators to embrace the adoption and fostering of children, noting that keeping children in institutions for many years is not ideal for their development.
Commending the operators for their ongoing efforts, Commissioner Dafur urged them to only house the number of children they can adequately care for. She also expressed concern over the state of hygiene in some homes, warning that facilities found wanting during the inspection would face sanctions.
She noted that the distribution of food items would be based on the number of children in each home. Additionally, she requested that each home submit the names of two children to be considered for the Governor’s birthday pledge to sponsor sixty orphans through school.
Kyenpiya Jessica Nyabam, Coordinator of the Association of Orphanage and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), applauded the Commissioner, describing her as the first active female official to undertake such an inspection visit. She said the visit was constructive, aimed at correcting and guiding the homes towards better care practices.
Also speaking, Prof. Solomon Tarfa, founder of Du Merci Home, urged orphanage operators to partner with the ministry, especially in matters concerning adoption and fostering.
The distribution, which took place at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, included 200 bags of rice, 30 bags of maize, 20 bags of beans, and cash donations.
