The Anambra State Government has warned operators of registered orphanage homes against engaging in child trafficking, illegal adoption and the sale of babies, stressing that offenders will face prosecution and possible imprisonment.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, gave the warning during a meeting with leaders of the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes held in Awka.
She said the state government would not tolerate any activity capable of undermining efforts to protect the rights and welfare of children, urging operators to maintain proper documentation, operate transparently and comply with all government regulations.
Onyekesi advised members of the public seeking adoption or child welfare services to deal only with authorised officials of the Ministry’s Child Development Department.
She also announced that the ministry would begin unscheduled inspections of children’s homes across the state to ensure compliance with child protection laws and detect possible violations.
Responding on behalf of the association, its Chairperson, Mrs. Ngozi Helen Eze, commended the Commissioner for engaging stakeholders and apologised for past infractions by some members.
She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to complying with government regulations and appealed for greater support in logistics and welfare to enhance the operations of registered children’s homes.
Eze also pledged the association’s cooperation in identifying and shutting down illegal and unregistered orphanage homes, describing them as major channels for child trafficking and unlawful adoption.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the association and Coordinator of Model Children’s Home, Awka, Rev. Sr. Akuchukwu Philomena Chikodili, condemned backdoor adoption practices, saying they undermine the legal adoption process and urged operators to uphold ethical standards.
The Director of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs. Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, described orphanage management as a humanitarian service rather than a profit-making venture.
Earlier, the Head of the Child Development Department, Mrs. Amaka Onyali, called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and registered children’s homes.
She directed all registered homes to submit monthly reports ahead of quarterly inspections and assured stakeholders of the ministry’s continued commitment to strengthening monitoring and enforcement of child protection regulations across Anambra State.
