No fewer than 20 orphanages in Ogun State have been shut down over illegal adoptions and other unethical practices.
This action, taken over the weekend, follows reports of child trafficking and maltreatment in these institutions.
Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, revealed the crackdown in a statement sighted by the Africa Health Report. “The state government’s actions aim to protect vulnerable children and maintain the integrity of orphanage services,” Adeleye emphasised.
She clarified that while the provisional licences of these 20 orphanages were revoked, not all were guilty of wrongdoing. “About 20 orphanages with provisional licences were affected but not all of them were involved in various sharp practices,” Adeleye explained. The authorities are taking a thorough approach to ensure compliance with child protection standards.”
The affected orphanages have been instructed to reapply for licences after a month, with new guidelines provided to those with permanent licences. “We want to take our time to dig deeper and ensure that they are all doing the right things,” Adeleye added.
