The Kwara State Government has taken custody of a newborn abandoned by her mother, said to be a student, and brought to the Ministry of Women Affairs on Friday, reaffirming its commitment to protecting orphans and vulnerable children in the state.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Opeyemi Oluwakemi, disclosed that the baby, who was delivered on Thursday, was brought to the ministry from Apalara Medical Hospital by a Nigeria Police Force officer, Medinat Garuba, and the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Giwa Luqman.
A statement by Iyanu Lawal, Press Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, made available to PUNCH Metro on Sunday, said Oluwakemi stressed that the state government would provide all necessary medical and physical care for the baby, noting that every child matters in the state.
She also commended the individuals who brought the child to the ministry.
Luqman said, “The baby’s mother, who is a student, had earlier requested to terminate the pregnancy.
“However, counselling persuaded her to carry the pregnancy to term, but she later abandoned the baby after delivery.”
The commissioner added that the Child Rights Law provides for the reintegration of abandoned babies into society through fostering or adoption, noting that due process must be followed and adequate time allowed for mothers to reconsider their decision to give up their children.
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