The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, made the announcement on Friday during a meeting with members of private orphanage homes at the ministry’s conference room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.
Expressing her displeasure over the activities of some private orphanage owners, the commissioner emphasized that the state would not tolerate any shady practices, including illegal adoption, child trafficking, or the mistreatment of children under their care.
She stressed that orphanages should operate with compassion, focusing on empowering and caring for vulnerable children without compromising their safety.
The commissioner reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare and preventing exploitation, urging all orphanage operators to adhere strictly to established guidelines.
Adeleye explained that the purpose of operating an orphanage is to give back to society through humanitarian services, warning that anyone found violating their duties would be prosecuted.
Ogun gov
She added that the ministry had taken steps to enhance data collection to ensure accurate recording and proper documentation of the children admitted to orphanages.
“The state government’s actions aim to protect vulnerable children and maintain the integrity of orphanage services,” she said. “About 20 orphanages with provisional licenses were affected, though not all were involved in serious violations such as not following proper guidelines on child adoption and other contraventions.”
“We have withdrawn the provisional licenses of these 20 orphanages. We want to take our time to thoroughly investigate and ensure that they are all adhering to the necessary standards. The affected orphanages have been instructed to reapply after a month, and we have provided additional guidelines to those with permanent licenses to ensure that standards are not compromised.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adejumoke Adewole, added that the ministry would continue conducting unscheduled visits to all orphanage homes in the state to monitor and evaluate the activities of the owners, ensuring full compliance with directives.
A representative of the private orphanage owners, Adeyemo Anthony, commended the government for its efforts in monitoring orphanage homes and pledged their support in working together to ensure the welfare and well-being of the children in their care.
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