WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY FACILITATES N18.8M FOR CHILDREN UPKEEP

Mrs.Elizaberth Sonubi.

Some children and mothers from separated homes in Ogun State now have course to rejoice as the sum of N18.8m was collected from 2,115 fathers from such homes for the up keep of 3,608 children and wards from May 2011 till date.
            Disclosing this today at the on-going ministerial press briefing to mark the one year anniversary of administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi said the money facilitated by her ministry was the responsibility allowance from the fathers, adding that it would help remove unnecessary burdens on the mothers concerned.
            However, Mrs. Sounbi stated that a total of 173 couples were reconciled in the matrimonial reconciliation programme of her ministry in the last one year to reduce the rate of divorce and promote family unity in the State.
            Also, in the bid to ensure quality service delivery for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the State, the Ministry in collaboration with USAID/Hope World Wide Nigeria facilitated and monitored N10m conditional grants for the upkeep and maintenance of 3,000 orphan and vulnerable children, while four new orphanages were registered to further help in child development and protection.
Mrs. Sonubi added that her Ministry also inaugurated the State Women Advancement Forum (WAFO) with 300 women selected from the 236 wards in the State, while regular capacity building and training programmes were organised for them to strengthen their socio-economic status