The International Organization Both Ends Believing (BEB), in partnership with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), held a one-day data review and debrief meeting in Umuahia to assess child welfare in the South-East using the Children First Software (CFS) platform.
BEB, active in over 14 countries, promotes technology-driven child protection through its CFS platform, which enables governments and care providers to collect and manage real-time data on children in alternative care.
During the meeting, participants reviewed data showing that only 18 of the 289 registered homes using CFS nationwide are from the South-East, highlighting the need for wider adoption in the region. Stakeholders also explored how the software supports data-driven decision-making, accountability, and effective case management for children in care.
BEB’s Global President, Mr. Bruce Graham, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening child welfare systems through technology. He urged state governments and home operators to embrace digital data management to improve transparency and service delivery.
High Chief Akpulonu Godson, ASOHON Vice President (Southern Nigeria), commended BEB’s partnership, noting its role in enhancing visibility and recognition for care providers. BEB’s Country Manager, Mr. Silas, emphasized that data remains key to effective child welfare planning and intervention.
According to him, “Accurate data will not only correct misconceptions about alternative care practices in our region but also highlight the dedication of local operators to child protection and family reunification.”
He further urged government representatives—particularly from the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, to commence discussions on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEB to formalize collaboration and strengthen state-level child protection systems.
Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with BEB and ASOHON. She described BEB’s Children First Software as a revolutionary digital tool enabling governments to identify, protect, and reintegrate vulnerable children into safe, loving family environments.
She pledged continued support for data-driven child protection initiatives, family-based care models, and community-centered approaches that prioritize the best interests of every child.
In his remarks, Mr. Silas, BEB’s Country Manager for Nigeria, shared progress made since the organization’s partnership with ASOHON began in 2022. He noted that the collaboration, which started as a six-month pilot, has now grown to include over 90 homes across all six geopolitical zones.
He emphasized that “data empowers truth, planning, and effective child welfare interventions,” reiterating BEB’s commitment to supporting state governments in building data-driven protection systems nationwide.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment from stakeholders to adopt the CFS platform for improved documentation, transparency, and the reintegration of children into safe, loving families.
The team later paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at his office in the Government House, Umuahia, to brief him on their activities in the state.
