Bayelsa Government Threatens Closure Of Non-Compliant Children's Homes
The Bayelsa State Government has warned operators of orphanage and children's homes across the state to strictly comply with all laws and regulations guiding child adoption or face sanctions, including the closure of their facilities.
The Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, issued the warning during a stakeholders' meeting with private orphanage home operators held at the Ministry's office in Yenagoa.
The meeting followed her participation in the National Policy Forum on Women, Children and Families organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja.
Addressing the stakeholders, Hon. Gigi emphasized that all matters relating to child adoption must be conducted in partnership with the Ministry and in accordance with established legal procedures.
She urged operators of orphanage homes to ensure that all interactions with prospective adoptive parents are carried out within the framework of the law, stressing that adherence to approved adoption procedures is non-negotiable.
According to the Commissioner, the meeting was convened to acquaint stakeholders with newly introduced national policies and strategies on child adoption and welfare aimed at addressing loopholes identified in previous systems.
She explained that the new policies are designed to strengthen the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women, children, and families involved in the adoption process.
Hon. Gigi further stated that any adoption process carried out without proper documentation, certification, and approval from the Ministry is illegal and would attract sanctions as stipulated by law.
She reiterated the commitment of the Bayelsa State Government to implementing policies that promote child welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Commissioner warned that any children's home found violating the new guidelines would face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure, stressing that the welfare and protection of every child remain a top priority for the state government.
She also reminded stakeholders that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
Hon. Gigi disclosed that the Ministry would embark on unscheduled monitoring visits to orphanage homes across the state to assess their level of compliance. She assured operators that the necessary guidance and documentation requirements would be provided to facilitate adherence to the new policies.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Agnes Oloye, highlighted the government's sustained commitment to the welfare of children in orphanage homes across the state.
She noted that the government provides care and support for children up to the age of 18, sponsors the tertiary education of many of them, and in some cases offers employment opportunities within the state civil service to help them become self-reliant and productive members of society.
Responding on behalf of the orphanage operators, the Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Orphanage, Mr. Olufemi Koleola, welcomed the introduction of the new policy framework.
He expressed optimism that the measures would help address the pressure often exerted by prospective adoptive parents seeking to fast-track adoption processes.
Mr. Koleola also commended the Ministry for the improved framework, noting that it would streamline adoption procedures and make the process more transparent and efficient.
