Ogun revokes licences of 20 orphanage homes
The Ogun State Government has annulled the provisional licenses of 20 private orphanages due to their failure to adhere to regulations designed to protect the well-being and safety of vulnerable children.
On Friday, during a meeting with orphanage operators at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s Conference Room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, announced this decision. Adeleye expressed frustration with certain orphanage operators, asserting that the state would not tolerate illegal activities such as unauthorized adoptions, child trafficking, or mistreatment of children.
Adeleye stressed that orphanages must operate with compassion, focusing on empowering and caring for children rather than compromising their safety. She highlighted the administration’s dedication to protecting children from exploitation and urged adherence to established guidelines. She noted that operating an orphanage should be a means of contributing to society through humanitarian efforts, and any failure to meet these responsibilities would lead to legal consequences.
The Commissioner also mentioned that the Ministry is improving its data collection to ensure accurate recording and documentation of children in orphanages.
“The state government’s actions are aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children and upholding the integrity of orphanage services,” she said. “While not all of the 20 affected orphanages were involved in misconduct, their provisional licenses have been withdrawn. We will conduct further investigations to ensure compliance before they can reapply for licenses in a month. We have also provided additional guidelines to those with permanent licenses to maintain standards.”
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adejumoke Adewole, stated that the ministry would continue conducting unannounced inspections of orphanages to ensure compliance with regulations.
Adeyemo Anthony, a representative of the private orphanage owners, praised the state’s commitment to monitoring orphanages and vowed to cooperate with the government to ensure the welfare of the children in their care.
