Alternative Child Care Guidelines Validated in Kebbi State with Support from SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF"

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - September 5, 2025 (Series News Online)

The Kebbi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN) and with funding support from SOS Children’s Villages and UNICEF, has reviewed and validated the state’s guidelines for alternative care of children. The guidelines aim to provide a standardized framework to protect vulnerable children and ensure their right to survival, development, protection, and participation.

The review and validation meetings were held on September 1 and 3, 2025, respectively, at different venues in Birnin Kebbi. According to Professor Umar Alkali, the consultant and facilitator engaged by UNICEF, the guidelines encourage the integration of children into family settings, promoting family values and proper upbringing.

The Hon. Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Halima Hassan, expressed excitement over the project and appreciated SOS Children's Villages, CPNN and UNICEF’s commitment to producing copies of the guidelines for the state. She regretted not being able to attend the validation due to other pressing engagements.

Stakeholders, including key government agencies, civil society organizations, media, faith-based organizations, and security agencies, emphasized the need to address child abuse such as neglect, can lead to national security threats. They also added a crucial clause: "All girls learning Quranic education must come from and return to their households after lessons under the careful watch of their parents or caregivers."