AONN Warns Of Collapsing Safety Nets As Insecurity Deepens Vulnerability Of Nigerian Children
As communities across Nigeria struggle with rising insecurity and economic hardship, the country’s most vulnerable children are increasingly caught in the crossfire, a stark reminder that social protection is no longer optional but essential for national stability.
This concern took centre stage as the Association for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (AONN) convened its Annual General Scientific Meeting (AGSM) in Abuja.
Gathering delegates from all 36 states and the FCT, the meeting, themed “Strengthening Social Protection Systems for Vulnerable Populations: Bridging Gaps in Healthcare, Education, Nutrition, and Livelihoods,” examined the weakening structures meant to protect the nation’s most at-risk citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr David Akpan reaffirmed AONN’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities, those exposed to violence, and children living on the streets, despite ongoing funding challenges.
He stressed that the organisation’s family-centred approach remains vital to strengthening resilience.
“This discussion could not be more timely,” he said, urging government agencies and partners to reinforce social protection mechanisms.
Board Secretary Dr Grace Dafiel raised alarm over the deteriorating security environment, citing the abduction and killing of more than 200 people across multiple states within 48 hours as evidence of collapsing safety nets.
“We must re-strategise and empower communities so that these children are not left to become instruments of future instability,” she warned.
AONN’s National Coordinator, Marcus Williams, emphasised that bolstering systems in healthcare, education, nutrition, and livelihoods is key to improving child wellbeing.
He explained that the Association is shifting to social-enterprise financing as donor funds continue to shrink.
Initiatives such as community sanitation services, car wash centres, school support programmes, and digital healthcare payment platforms now help to fund emergency intervention efforts and support families listed in the national social protection register.
“Our objective is to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians, regardless of age, receive the support they need to overcome entrenched deprivation,” Williams said.
He also condemned the rising attacks on schools, stressing that social protection must work hand-in-hand with security measures.
Assistant National Secretary Amb. Aji Rachael called for wider adoption of the National Social Protection Policy, noting significant variations in implementation across states.
She highlighted progress made since the last AGSM, including improved coordination, new communication channels, and stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Rachael affirmed that AONN will increasingly prioritise policy advocacy and sustainable protection systems rather than relying solely on direct service delivery, as part of its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.
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