The Kwara State Government has taken custody of a newborn baby reportedly abandoned shortly after delivery by her mother, a student, pledging full care and protection for the child.
The baby was handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs on Friday following her transfer from Apalara Medical Hospital by officials, including a police officer and the hospital management.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Opeyemi Oluwakemi, confirmed the development, noting that the child was delivered on Thursday before being abandoned by her mother.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Iyanu Lawal, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Sunday, the commissioner said the state government had stepped in to ensure the newborn receives adequate medical and social care.
Oluwakemi commended individuals who facilitated the baby’s transfer to the ministry, describing their actions as commendable and in line with child protection efforts.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children, stressing that “every child counts” in the state’s development agenda.
The Chief Medical Director of Apalara Medical Hospital, Giwa Luqman, was quoted as saying the mother of the child, identified as a student, had initially sought to terminate the pregnancy but was counselled to continue with it before eventually abandoning the baby after delivery.
The commissioner explained that the state’s Child Rights Law provides for proper procedures in handling abandoned children, including possible reintegration through adoption or fostering where necessary.
She added that due process would be followed, while also allowing time for the mother to reconsider her decision.
