Prioritise children’s best interests —Lagos Youth Commissioner tells custodian homes

In taking care of the children in Government owned homes in Lagos State, the best interest of the child must be made of paramount importance in order for all of them to become well brought up.   

The Lagos State Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende gave the charge during his familiarisation tour to Children Centre; Children Correctional Centre for Girls; and Special Correctional Centre for Girls located in Idi Araba, Surulere.

He said, “As caregivers, looking after our children, you are doing a very good job which the State Government cannot thank you enough for. You are providing a solution to a very big societal problem by what you are doing. We acknowledge the fact that it’s not easy considering all the challenges you encounter from day to day in the course of discharging your duties.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu urged the caregivers to discharge their duties efficiently with love in their hearts in order for the Ministry to be able to achieve its set goals for the Centres.

Pharm (Mrs) Oke-Osanyintolu advised the caregivers to put in place “an exit plan” which would guide them in implementing the ideal timeframe set for all the children in the Centres.”

According to the Permanent Secretary, any child admitted into the Homes for care is given the opportunity of undergoing in-house skill vocational training in tailoring, shoemaking, hairdressing, bakery, makeover, head tie or any other vocation in line with their choice and talent that will ultimately make them economically empowered upon leaving the Centres.

The Ministry has 15 Centres and Institutions which cater for the needs of children, the elderly as well as the youths in the State.