Edo Leverages Technology to Enhance Care for Vulnerable Children

De-Patriot News Desk

The Edo State Government has taken a major step towards improving child protection and welfare with plans to adopt the Children First Software (CFS), a digital case management system designed to enhance oversight and accountability in orphanages across the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with the National Deputy President of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON).

Mrs. Abdallah explained that the Children First Software is a web-based platform developed to support effective management of children in care homes. One of its key strengths, she noted, is its ability to provide real time access to child welfare data from anywhere, allowing government authorities to closely monitor orphanage operations and promptly assess individual child cases.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare, and development of vulnerable children, the Commissioner described the adoption of the platform as a deliberate move to strengthen supervision, promote transparency, and improve accountability within orphanages and care homes.

According to her, the deployment of the digital system will enhance evidence-based decision-making and ensure that child protection practices in Edo State align with national and international best standards.

To ensure a smooth rollout, Mrs. Abdallah announced that the Ministry would organise a comprehensive training programme for orphanage and care home operators across the state. The training is expected to equip operators with the technical skills required to effectively use the platform, manage data accurately, and comply with established child protection guidelines.

Earlier in her remarks, the National Deputy President of ASOHON, Mrs. Caroline Silver-Oyaide, provided an overview of the Children First Software, noting that the engagement forms part of a broader nationwide initiative by the Association. She explained that the programme is aimed at supporting state governments to strengthen child protection and welfare systems through improved data management and technology-driven solutions.