The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. 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, at her office 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 organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja.
Hon. 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 explained that the 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.
Hon. Gigi, emphasized 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.
Hon. Gigi noted that the Bayelsa State Government remains committed to implementing policies that promote child welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She further warned that any children’s home that fails to comply with the new guidelines would face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure, stressing that the welfare and protection of every child remain a priority for the state government.
The Commissioner reminded stakeholders that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
She also disclosed that the Ministry would embark on unscheduled monitoring visits to orphanage homes across the state to assess compliance, assuring 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, 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.
She further noted that the government sponsors the tertiary education of many of the children and, in some cases, provides employment opportunities within the state civil service to help them become self-reliant members of society.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Orphanage, Mr. Olufemi Koleola, welcomed the idea of a new policy believing that it would address the pressure from prospective parents who usually want the process completed in a hurry.
He expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s improved framework, noting that it would help streamline the adoption process and make it more seamless.