FG explores private sector, diversified donor funding for OVC in Nigeria

The Federal Government and stakeholders, on Thursday addressed gaps in the National orphans and vulnerable response as well as opportunities for increased investment in addressing the needs of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children for holistic and sustained management of vulnerable children in Nigeria. In her keynote address, the Minister of women Affairs and Social Development, […]

The Federal Government and stakeholders, on Thursday addressed gaps in the National orphans and vulnerable response as well as opportunities for increased investment in addressing the needs of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children for holistic and sustained management of vulnerable children in Nigeria.

In her keynote address, the Minister of women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, at the first National Stakeholder’s Forum on Orphans and Vulnerable Children said the forum is apt recognizing the fact that the OVC phenomenon has brought a lot of challenges to children, parents and Governments across the globe.   

The Minister who identified funding as a major constraint both at the central and state levels stated that the forum is designed to among others highlight the funding challenges faced in the area of OVC programming in order to secure the buy – in of stakeholders to invest in the programme.

She raised a concern over decline in foreign donor support towards the orphans and vulnerable children and solicited for increased local investment for sustainable financing of OVC programming.

She further explained that investing in vulnerable children would provide the country the opportunity to keep children healthy, safe, stable and educated which will in turn develop them into an adult population that contribute to the overall development of the country.

"I wish to assure you that my Ministry will support any step, measure, recommendations or sustainable innovations and ideas that will transform the life of the Nigerian child. It is only by so doing that the Nigerian child regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in, location or creed will be sure of a better tomorrow.

"This is a duty we owe our children and we cannot afford to jeopardize their future by failing to address issues militating towards the development of their full potentials", she said.

The cross section of participants at the event urged the ministry to ensure proper coordination of funds and timely implementation of recommendations arrive at the end of the forum.

They expressed optimism that forum will lead to a new paradigm in investment for orphans and vulnerable children which ensures children are well protected, secure, grow to achieve their full potential and are part of the future productive workforce that will drive Nigeria’s economy and development