The Kwara State Government has pledged that it would continue to protect the Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in order to provide a meaningful and sustainable future for them, while imploring the Steering Technical Committee to deliberate extensively on the welfare of the OVC aimed at enhancing their accelerated access to basic services such as Education, Health, Nutrition, Psychosocial, Legal Protection, Social Protection, among others.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, made this pledge at the last quarter meeting on Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in collaboration with the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), held at the Ministry’s conference room in llorin.
While appreciating the ARFH for its unflinching support to achieving the Ministry’s mandate on the welfare of vulnerable women and children, the Commissioner reiterated the determination of the State Government, under the leadership of the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to ensure an improved welfare and well-being of women and children in the State.
Hon. Buraimoh also thanked ARFH for supporting the Ministry in its commitment to children and adolescents living with HIV and their households, to guarantee retention in care, adherence to anti-retroviral drugs so as to achieve the ultimate aim of viral suppression.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Musa Olanrewaju Okanlawon, explained that the challenges faced by orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers are complex and multifaceted.
He added that “today’s meeting is a testament to the power of collaboration and brief that by working together, we can create a brighter future for these children, empowering them to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.”
The Director, Child, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf, stressed that the meeting was also meant to draw up a strategic action plan to mobilize more resources to support OVC programme; to promote follow-up measures of all the partners’ activities across the State; and to review updates on OVC intervention in the State.
The State Project Manager, Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Mrs. Ada Onuorah, commended the State government for the support at all time and emphasized on sustainability of OVC welfare by the State Government.
