Writing By Ali Muhammad Rabiu; Editing By Godwin Duru
Government at all levels and other stakeholders have been urged to adopt the newly introduced Children First Software (CFS) to transform the monitoring and welfare management of vulnerable children in the country.
The National President of a Non -Governmental organization ,bthe Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Gabriel Oyediji, stated this during the demonstration of the Software, advocacy for foster care and the inauguration of the Kwara State chapter of the association, in Ilorin .
According to him, the software would improve documentation, coordination and accountability within orphanages and homes caring for vulnerable children.
He described the initiative as a major step towards changing the narrative of child protection in the country.
“This software will ensure proper monitoring, management and effective coordination. Above all, it is going to change the narrative of taking care of vulnerable children in Nigeria,” he said.
The ASOHON president acknowledged that challenges such as poor electricity supply, inadequate access to computers, low digital literacy and shortage of trained personnel could affect the implementation of the initiative.
Oyediji explained that some orphanage operators still lack the necessary tools and technical knowledge needed to upload and manage data effectively.
“We may not have all the answers now, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. If we keep focusing on the hindrances, we may nevjjer move forward,” he said.
Oyediji added that the association was already embarking on sensitization and capacity-building programmes to help social workers and caregivers understand and use the software efficiently.
He said representatives of the software developers would visit homes across states to train workers on data entry and management.
The national president noted that the platform would also help preserve important records that could otherwise be lost during disasters such as fire outbreaks or flooding.
“Some homes have experienced fire incidents and flooding that destroyed their documents completely. Once these records are uploaded online, they are preserved permanently,” he added.
He revealed that several states had already begun uploading data into the system, while discussions were ongoing with more state governments and relevant ministries for wider adoption.
ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
