The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Joanah Gigi, has warned operators of orphanage homes in the state to strictly comply with laws and regulations governing child adoption or risk sanctions, including closure of their facilities.
Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders, particularly private orphanage home operators, in Yenagoa, the commissioner stressed the need for all adoption-related matters to be handled in collaboration with the ministry.
The meeting was held shortly after her return from the National Policy Forum on Women, Children and Families, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja.
Gigi urged orphanage operators to ensure that all dealings with prospective adoptive parents are conducted within the framework of the law and in full compliance with established adoption procedures and regulations.
She said, “This meeting was convened to brief stakeholders on newly introduced national policies and strategies on child adoption and welfare, which are intended to address loopholes identified in previous systems.”
According to the commissioner, the new policies are designed to strengthen the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women, children, and families involved in the adoption process.
Gigi emphasised that any adoption process carried out without adherence to approved procedures, proper documentation, and certification by the ministry is illegal.
She added that orphanage homes found violating the regulations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
She said, “Any children’s home that fails to comply with the new guidelines will face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure. The welfare and protection of every child remain a priority for the state government.
“We will soon embark on unscheduled monitoring visits to orphanage homes across the state to assess compliance. Necessary guidance and documentation requirements would be provided to facilitate adherence to the new policies.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Agnes Oloye, stated that the Bayelsa State Government has consistently provided support for children in its orphanage homes, including care and assistance up to the age of 18.
The Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Orphanage, Mr. Olufemi Koleola, welcomed the idea of the new polies, saying they should also address the pressure from prospective parents who usually want the process completed in a hurry.