The Child Protection Network (CPN) has taken a major step toward safeguarding vulnerable children in Sokoto State with the inauguration of a technical working committee to drive the implementation of an alternative child care policy.
State Coordinator of CPN, Mr. Usman Ahmad-Suka, said the initiative targets children in orphanages, shelters and other homes outside their immediate families, many of whom face neglect, poor feeding, inadequate schooling and lack of essential support.
He explained that the committee would champion the policy already drafted by the organisation, which is awaiting the governor’s approval, and expressed confidence that it would improve the welfare and protection of children in the care of guardians and custodians.
Director of Children Development and Protection at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Yusuf Ibrahim, who also chairs the committee, described the policy as a critical framework that would guide government agencies, NGOs and other actors in providing proper care for children outside family homes.
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The District Head of Gagi in Sokoto South Local Government, Sani Umar-Jabbi, lauded the policy as a milestone in addressing the plight of vulnerable children.
He pledged the commitment of traditional rulers to ensuring smooth implementation, adding that traditional and religious institutions have long been involved in tackling child abuse and neglect.
The committee comprises representatives of government, civil society organisations, community-based groups, religious and traditional leaders, journalists and humanitarian service providers.
