ASOHON Unveils New Software To Track And Protect Vulnerable Children

Speaking during a demonstration of the Children First Software (CFS) in Ilorin, Kwara State, ASOHON National President, Dr. Gabriel Oyediji, said the innovation would significantly improve accountability, coordination and data management in orphanages and homes caring for vulnerable children.

According to Ireporter Online, the event also featured advocacy for foster care and the inauguration of the Kwara State chapter of ASOHON.

Oyediji described the software as a major milestone in efforts to enhance child protection services in Nigeria, noting that it would provide a more efficient system for tracking children’s welfare and maintaining accurate records.

He stated that the platform would enable proper monitoring and management of orphanages while promoting greater transparency in the sector.

The ASOHON president acknowledged that several obstacles, including erratic electricity supply, limited access to computers, inadequate digital skills and a shortage of trained personnel, could affect the successful implementation of the initiative.

He explained that some orphanage operators still lack the technical capacity and infrastructure required to upload and manage data effectively but expressed confidence that these challenges could be overcome through continuous training and support.

Oyediji said ASOHON had already begun sensitisation and capacity-building programmes to equip social workers and caregivers with the skills needed to use the software efficiently.

He added that representatives of the software development team would visit homes across various states to provide hands-on training in data entry and record management.

The ASOHON president noted that the platform would serve as a secure backup system for critical records, ensuring that documents are preserved even in the event of disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding.

He revealed that several states had already commenced uploading data to the system, while discussions were ongoing with additional state governments and relevant ministries to expand adoption nationwide.

Oyediji said government agencies had shown strong interest in the initiative because of the persistent challenge of obtaining reliable and up-to-date data on vulnerable children and orphanages in Nigeria.

He noted that the software would provide current and accurate statistics to support better planning, policy formulation and decision-making.

The ASOHON president also used the occasion to advocate a gradual transition from institutional care to family-based alternatives, including adoption and foster care.

According to him, children thrive best in family environments where they can receive personalised attention, emotional support and a stronger sense of belonging.

He explained that global best practices increasingly favour family-based care over long-term institutionalisation, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a loving and supportive home.