The Ogun State Government has revoked the provisional licences of some private orphanage owners operating in the state due to non-compliance with regulations and laws prioritising the well-being and safety of vulnerable children.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Adijat Adeleye disclosed this during a meeting with private orphanage owners, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday.
Adeleye, who expressed displeasure over some private orphanage owners’ activities, said the state would not tolerate shady practices involving adoption, child trafficking, or maltreatment of children.
She reiterated that the present administration was committed to safeguarding children’s welfare and preventing exploitation, urging them to adhere to laid-down guidelines.
The commissioner maintained that the essence of operating an orphanage was to give back to society through humanitarian services and as such, anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties would be prosecuted.
She added that the ministry had taken steps to improve its data collection to ensure that the number of children brought to the orphanages was recorded and properly documented.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adejumoke Adewole, said the ministry would not relent in embarking on unscheduled monitoring of all orphanage homes in the state, to monitor and evaluate the activities of the owners to ensure proper compliance with directives.
Remarking, a representative of the private orphanage owners, Mrs Adeyemo Anthony, commended the state for efforts towards ensuring orphanage homes were monitored, pledging their support to work together with the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of the vulnerable.