The Project Coordinator of the, SOS Children’s Villages, World Wide, Monica Kleck has commended Edo State Government for the commitment to strengthen the rights of the children with the child right law.

Making the commendation during a meeting with the Ministry of Youth and Gender in Benin City, Kleck who is from the German office of the Organization expressed appreciation for the result achieved so far in the state

“We have come to appreciate the government for their role to achieve result and we want to further that collaboration to reach more children through the technical working committee set up to advance that agenda”

“As we speak, we have made remarkable results. We are quite happy at the level of commitment that Edo state has shown in this process and on that note, we are coming to appreciate government for their role, commitment and support to achieve the expected results.

According to her the first phase of the project ends in December and there are plans to organize a launching of the guidelines of the project which has been embarked upon all over the world.

“We are hoping to extend the project for another four years to ensure that the vulnerable children be in a good family foster parent, prevent child family separation, implementing family strengthening and so far, we have 1600 children from 400 families in the last four years,” she added

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Gender, Dr. Peter Osagie, who expressed optimism that more can be achieved through advocacy and enlightenment noted that there is room for expansion in the new project.

According to him,” Edo state want to make sure that the vulnerable children are no more vulnerable by advancing the care reform and we are looking forward to the launching of the alternative care guideline.”

He assured the organization that the Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is interested in leaving a legacy after his tenure in office and in doing that he is not just interested in activities but want to put things in place that whoever comes after him can run with it.

“As soon as your guidelines gets to the governor, I can assure you that it would be given attention because he thrives in putting policies in place. Let us have your guidelines in black and white for him to see and understand the direction you are going about the project.

“I can assure you that the Ministry will vigorously pursue the launching of the guidelines and we will gladly work with people like you with clear cut objectives,” he noted.

He disclosed that while waiting for the guidelines of the organization, the state already has the Child right law in the state, undergoing review to protect the right of every child and the state is building structures and having your guideline to what we already have will further help us solidify the structure on ground.