In a significant move to protect vulnerable children, the Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Akwa Ibom Ibom, Mrs.Inibehe Etukudo has inaugurated a 20-man Technical Working Groups (TWGs) on Alternative Care for Children, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of vulnerable children across the state.
The event, which took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Uyo on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, brought together senior government officials, civil society representatives, child welfare advocates, and members of the Child Protection Network (CPN).
Speaking, the Commissioner condemned the persistent issues of child trafficking, witch-branding, homelessness, and exploitation. She emphasised the urgency of collaborative action and stricter penalties to deter child abuse and restore dignity to affected children.
“The abuse of children—whether through trafficking, witchcraft accusations, or neglect—is an indictment on our society. Every child deserves to grow in a safe, supportive, and loving environment,” the Commissioner stated.
She applauded the unwavering commitment of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to child-centered policies and expressed gratitude to Mr. John Umo-Otong for his outstanding work in the state regarding Alternative Care for Children. She urged him to continue his efforts and also praised the Child Protection Network and other stakeholders for their grassroots interventions in safeguarding at-risk children.
“When it comes to children, they are the heartbeat of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno. He cannot take anything concerning children lightly,” the Commissioner said.
In her welcome remarks, Madam Dinah Henry, Director of Child Development in the Ministry, commended the Governor for his bold steps in promoting children’s rights. She urged all stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility, describing it as a task requiring innovation, compassion, and steadfast leadership. Added that the event marks a significant step towards strengthening children’s welfare system and ensuring that every child, especially the vulnerable, receives care that is both safe and aligned with globally recognised standards.
Also speaking, National Public Relations Officer of the Child Protection Network, Mr. Michael Gbarale, outlined the core objectives of the National Policy on Alternative Care. These include family reintegration, provision of quality care options, active child participation in decisions affecting them, and ensuring protection mechanisms are in place. He described the inauguration of the TWG as a significant milestone in Akwa Ibom’s journey toward inclusive child welfare and hoped the initiative would deliver measurable improvements.
Goodwill messages were received from representatives of the Akwa Ibom State Children’s Parliament, Hon, Rhoda Vincent, AKSCIA, Alhaji Ahmed Isa, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CSC Grace Wilson, the Ministry’s OVC/GBV Desk Office, Mrs. Makan Ukpong and the Association of Homes (ASOHOM), Pastor Godwin Thomas echoed a collective desire for a more sustainable child care system. They welcomed the domestication of the national guidelines, noting that Nigeria’s broader societal challenges are deeply rooted in neglect of the country’s children. They called for a society where children are properly nurtured and trained, stressing that this initiative must be supported at all levels.
They praised those who initiated this noble idea and said that the future of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large depends on how well children are being treated today.
Participants, drawing from their personal experiences over the years working with children accused of witchcraft, shared emotional stories of pain, resilience, and transformation. They emphasized the urgent need for community education to shift harmful mindsets and dismantle stigma surrounding vulnerable children.
Additionally, they advocated for stronger family structures and responsible parenting. They championed small-scale farming as a pathway to economic self-sufficiency for families and called for improved family planning efforts to reduce child abandonment.
Participants also pointed out that children from wealthy families are rarely accused of witchcraft, which indicates that poverty, ignorance, and broken family systems often fuel these harmful practices. They stressed that it is time to act, working together to break these cycles and protect our children.
The highpoint of the event was the inauguration of the 20 -man Technical Working Groups on Alternative care of Children in Akwa Ibom State by the Commissioner, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo.
The event includeincludeed technical training sessions for TWG members, interactive open dialogues, and working group discussions on the adaptation of the national guidelines to fit Akwa Ibom’s context. Each group presented an action plan, and the event communiqué was formally shared with the CPN national.
