By Ifeanyichukwu Marcus, Gusau
(SINL NIGERIA) Stakeholders in Zamfara State across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Religious leaders, Traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, Security Agencies, Media Practitioners have reviewed and validated the state Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children Document.
The two day review and validation exercise which ended on Friday 29, August 2025 in Gusau, was organized by the National Child Protection Network with the support of SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF and Zamfara State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Speaking during the review exercise, the State Commissioner Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Aisha MZ expressed State government commitment to partner with any non-governmental organization, cooperate organization as well as individual willing to bring a positive development that would benefit people of the state.
“As you can see Dauda Lawal’s led administration has improved the quality of health care delivery, education, and social infrastructure for the betterment of good people of the State”
The Commissioner further stated that the State government has constructed standard almajiri schools in three senatorial districts for the acceleration of both Islamic and Western education.
In her speech, the Chairperson of the Technical Working Group and also Director at the Zamfara State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Farida Abdulrazak Tigana highlighted the importance of reviewing the document, saying it is to find ways on how to give alternative care to the vulnerable children.
She called on the relevant stakeholders to participate actively and make positive contribution that would favour vulnerable children in the State.
The chairperson, also urged the stakeholders to document those children whose parents are not found.
According to her, perhaps some parents are dead, mentally sick or find themselves in correctional facility.
“Our common goal in these exercise is aimed at guaranteeing the protection and well-being of children who lack parental care or at risk of parental care”, she said.
Also speaking, the representative of State Ulama’u Council, Mallam Aminu Aliyu stressed the legality and legitimacy of adopting vulnerable, abandoned, orphaned Children by upright individuals to protect them from societal abuse and molestation.
He noted that adopting such children by people of sound moral character and integrity will ensure their safety and prevent them from becoming juvenile delinquents.
In their separate remarks, various stakeholders harped on contribution towards the protection of children, in terms of healthcare accessibility, shelter, education and other social welfare.
The Zamfara State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network on behalf of the network commended the state government and stakeholders for their commitment and support in promoting child survival programme in the State.
The two days review and validation of the document was facilitated by Prof. Umar Alkali, who appealed to the Zamfara State government to consider implementing the reviewed and validated policy for the Alternative Care of Children effectively.
“I am sure if this policy is approved, it would enhance security and minimise other social challenges confronting the State”
He used the medium to congratulate stakeholders for the review and validation of the document.
He also thanked the stakeholders for their various contributions at the technical session through group works and presentations.
