Lagos partners BEB to strengthen child protection, data-driven welfare system
The Lagos State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global non-profit organisation, Both Ends Believing (BEB), to strengthen child protection and promote a data-driven child welfare system across the state.
The agreement, signed by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, aims to improve the identification, documentation, care planning and long-term welfare of children living in residential homes and other alternative care settings.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on July 23 in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the partnership as a major step in the state’s efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable children.
He said the collaboration would complement the government’s efforts to ensure every child in alternative care is properly identified, documented, protected and supported to reach his or her full potential, while strengthening accountability and evidence-based decision-making through the use of technology and reliable data.
“The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a stronger child protection system in Lagos State, where every child is counted, protected, connected to family where possible, and allowed to grow and thrive in a safe, loving and secure environment,” Ogunlende said.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said access to accurate and up-to-date information is essential for effective case management, family tracing, care planning and monitoring of children in alternative care. She expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen the state’s child protection system.
In a statement presented by BEB country manager, Silas Gyang, the organisation’s president, Bruce Graham, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every child is identified, protected and given the opportunity to thrive in a safe family environment.
He added that BEB’s Children First Software was designed to provide secure and accurate records for children in care, support family reunification where possible, and improve policy decisions through reliable data.
