The international organization, Both Ends Believing (BEB), with a presence in over 14 countries, in partnership with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators of Nigeria (ASOHON),has held a one-day Data Review and Debrief Meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, to analyze the state of child welfare in the South-East region using data from the Children First Software (CFS) platform.
BEB is committed to transforming child welfare systems globally through technology, working with governments and care providers to promote evidence-based child protection practices. Through its flagship platform, Children First Software (CFS), BEB supports the collection, management, and reporting of real-time data on children in alternative care. The software provides secure, accurate, and accessible records that enable governments and care providers to identify, protect, and reintegrate vulnerable children into safe and loving families.
During the one-day review meeting, stakeholders analyzed data from CFS, highlighting the current state of children in institutional care and their transition into family-based placements across the South-East. The analysis revealed that out of the 289 registered homes across Nigeria currently using CFS, only about 18 are from the South-East region, underscoring the need for increased adoption of the technology in the region.
The meeting sought to raise awareness among stakeholders about how CFS can generate data-driven insights to inform government policies, promote accountability, and dispel misconceptions about alternative care practices. The software also supports case management and proper documentation, enabling home operators to better plan for the placement of children into families. Additionally, it serves as a centralized government database for tracking institutions, children, and prospective families—while functioning as a monitoring and evaluation tool for ministries of women affairs and social welfare.
A live demonstration showcased the usability and functionality of the software, emphasizing how it enhances efficiency and transparency in child welfare management.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the five South-Eastern states, including government officials, social workers, and home operators, who reviewed data trends and discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Speaking during the event, the Vice President of ASOHON, Southern Nigeria, High Chief Akpulonu Godson, commended BEB for its continued support and urged home operators to use the CFS for better profiling and case management of the Children in their care and also state governments to leverage CFS for effective data management and planning. He noted that the collaboration between BEB and ASOHON has brought renewed visibility and recognition to care providers who have served diligently for years with little support.
Earlier in his address, the Global President of Both Ends Believing (BEB), Mr. Bruce Graham, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming child welfare through technology. He emphasized BEB’s mission to support governments, caregivers, and child welfare organizations with innovative digital tools that promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Mr. Graham highlighted the Children First Software (CFS) as a transformative platform designed to help care institutions digitize data, ensure proper documentation, and enable governments to plan and intervene effectively. He urged participants to embrace the use of CFS as a step toward improving the quality and coordination of care services for vulnerable children.
In his remarks, 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 Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development of Abia State, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, attended the meeting alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with BEB and ASOHON. They described BEB’s work as “a transformative intervention bringing technology-driven solutions to child protection.”
Following the meeting, the Commissioner led a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at the Government House in Umuahia. She introduced BEB’s team and outlined the progress made through its partnership with ASOHON. During the visit, BEB’s Global President, Mr. Bruce Graham, presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Abia State Government, outlining areas of collaboration to strengthen data-driven child protection systems.
Also present during the meeting with the Chief of Staff were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Women Affairs from Abia and Anambra States, the Country Manager and Country Representative supporting the region, the Vice President of ASOHON Southern Region, and other key stakeholders from the child welfare sector.
In his response, Pastor Ajagba commended the initiative and affirmed that Governor Alex Otti remains open to partnerships that align with the state’s development priorities. He assured the delegation that the MoU would be reviewed and that the government would engage further with BEB on the proposed collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for recognition, inclusion, and collaboration among practitioners, government agencies, and development partners. It also ended with a collective commitment from all home operators to adopt and use the Children First Software (CFS) to ensure proper documentation, transparency, and improved child care—ultimately contributing to the goal of ensuring that every child is placed in a safe and loving family.
