The Kwara State Government has commenced post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of 30 children rescued from Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility in Ilorin.
The children, aged between two and 15, are now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support at a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development.
The rescue operation was carried out by the ministry following the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children, assessing their immediate needs and evaluating their health and educational conditions.
She said the children were undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the ministry was also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.
Imam added that children who could not be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure their individual needs were adequately addressed.
She assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progressed.
The commissioner directed that all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State must be duly registered and approved by the Ministry of Social Development.
She also directed all approved facilities to clearly display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government”, on their signposts to enable members of the public to identify them easily.
The Director of Social Work, Hamzat Abdulfatah, who was involved in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders in ensuring the welfare and future of the children.
He said the intervention had given the children hope and encouraged stakeholders to work together to ensure that due process was followed in managing their cases.
According to caregivers, the intervention had provided the children with improved living conditions and access to better feeding, healthcare, education and psychosocial support.
The rescued children also expressed optimism that their new environment would provide better opportunities and contribute to a brighter future.
