The Bayelsa State Government has warned orphanage operators to strictly follow the laws guiding child adoption, cautioning that any home found violating the regulations could face sanctions, including closure.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Joanah Gigi, during a meeting with private orphanage home operators in Yenagoa.
“Any adoption carried out without proper documentation and approval from the ministry is illegal.”
According to the commissioner, the meeting was organised to brief stakeholders on newly introduced national policies aimed at strengthening child welfare and closing loopholes in the adoption process.
She stressed that all adoption procedures must be conducted in partnership with the ministry and in line with approved legal guidelines.
Gigi also disclosed that the state government would begin unscheduled inspections of orphanage homes to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
“Any children’s home that fails to comply with the new guidelines will face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure.”
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that every adoption follows due process.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Agnes Oloye, said the state has continued to provide support for children in orphanage homes until they reach adulthood.
The Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Orphanage, Olufemi Koleola, welcomed the new policies and expressed hope they would also address challenges caused by prospective adoptive parents seeking to fast-track the process.
Source: Bayelsa State Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development
