The Lagos State government on Tuesday said it has shut down orphanages for perpetrating illegalities involving baby trafficking and illegal adoption.
During the annual ministerial press briefing, the state’s commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, disclosed this to mark Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s sixth year in office.
He said, “In the year under review, God’s Time Orphanage, Igando, was shut down because of violation of procedure in child rights law, registration and mismanagement. In the Lifetime Changer Orphanage, FESTAC, we found out they were trafficking babies. Some other organisations found out they do not follow the procedure when they give out children for adoption.
“They do things within their realm because we have officers who continue to go out. We have access to information as a government ministry to protect those children. When we get this information, we ensure they are brought to book. This is the reason why we shut down. I also want to appeal to orphanages, saying that we have guidelines. We also encourage you to come to the ministry that we offer you guidelines to open an orphanage home.’’
According to him, the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has approved the establishment of more orphanages in the last year, adding that 68 orphanages were fully registered. In contrast, 45 others received provisional approvals after rigorous screening to ensure compliance with basic standards.
He noted that these approvals complement government-owned orphanages in caring for vulnerable children.
In his words: “The administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is fully committed to ensuring that our children are raised in conducive environments where they receive proper care and attention.”
He reiterated that the Ministry remains the sole authority for placing children in registered orphanages and warned against circumventing established protocols.
Ogunlende said that in the last year, one thousand Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have been empowered directly by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), either through financial support, skills acquisition, or provisions of vocational and work tools and health care access.
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