Oyo State Launches New Child Care Guidelines to Protect Vulnerable Children

…As Mrs Makinde, Stakeholders reaffirm commitment to Child Rights Law and call for full implementation across care institutions

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of vulnerable children, with a pledge to ensure their voices are heard and their needs prioritized.

This assurance was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, during the official launch of the Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children in Oyo State, held at the Local Government Training School Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Mrs. Balogun stated that the new guidelines mark a significant step in the state’s efforts to uphold the Child Rights Law of 2006, aimed at protecting children, especially those who are orphaned, neglected, or victims of abuse.

“These guidelines are rooted in child-centered care, prioritize family-based solutions, and encourage community participation. They are aligned with both national policies and international standards,” she said.

The event also had in attendance the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Tamunominini Makinde, who called on care agencies, orphanage homes, and caregivers to fully implement the new policy.

Mrs. Makinde highlighted the government’s efforts in ensuring that the document considers the welfare of children, young adults, and caregivers. She emphasized that effective use of the guidelines would promote quality assurance, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement in child care practices across the state.

“If used effectively, these guidelines will help stakeholders make better decisions on how and when to improve their care homes,” she said.

She also commended the State Government and the Oyo State House of Assembly for their roles in bringing the initiative to life.

In a show of bipartisan support, the Women Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State both applauded the initiative. They pledged their parties’ cooperation to ensure full implementation and urged parents and caregivers to actively protect vulnerable children in the state.

Traditional ruler, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, in his goodwill message, also pledged support for grassroots enforcement of the guidelines, stressing the role of traditional institutions in community-based child welfare.

Also speaking at the event, educationist Mrs. Bola Doherty underscored the importance of collective responsibility among stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind.

Dignitaries present at the event included former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, political leaders across party lines, heads of agencies, school proprietors, traditional rulers, and students.