BY RITA OYIBOKA/OZIOMA NIKE
THE Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development has called on orphanages across the state to adopt best practices and streamline adoption processes to prioritise the welfare of children in their care.
This appeal was made during a meeting of the Child Rights Implementation Committee, which convened Heads of Personnel Management from local government areas, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Child Rights Law in Delta State.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, expressed concern over irregularities observed in some orphanages.
“Currently, there are 62 registered orphanages in Delta State under the ministry’s supervision. Our goal is to ensure that children in these facilities receive proper care and attention. However, we have observed cases where some of these children have living relatives, or the orphanages are reluctant to release them for adoption,” she said.
Mrs. Agas added that the ministry is working to regulate the admission process for children in orphanages to minimise the presence of those with living relatives. “This is crucial in preventing exploitation and ensuring children receive the care they truly need,” she explained.
She also pointed to challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, including inadequate funding, limited manpower, and logistical constraints. Despite these hurdles, she affirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to overcome these barriers.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, Mr. Patrick Ochei, shed light on the challenges faced by the Committee in addressing child abuse.
“Parents and guardians often withdraw cases due to fear of stigmatisation or threats from suspects. Additionally, cultural pressures frequently lead families to opt for informal settlements, which disrupt the legal process,” he said.
He underscored the importance of public awareness in driving progress and commended the NUJ for its role in amplifying the committee’s activities through consistent media coverage.
