Lagos Shuts Orphanages Over Non-Complaince To Practice Rules

By Felix Kuyinu

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that four orphanages have been shut following a breach of practice rules.

The state, through its Ministry of Youth and Social Development stated that the enforcement was carried out to guard against malpractices and quackery at the care homes which could endanger the lives of the children.

The Ministry stated that the orphanages would remain closed pending ongoing investigations. It stated that necessary sanctions would be imposed on firms which are culpable of operational irregularities, largely urging prospective care -given homes to fully adhere to the stipulated guildlines and requirements.

The Commissioner of the Ministry, Mobolaji Ogunlende, on Tuesday, said that the state government has given 45 orphanages provisional approvals out of the 68 that were registered after rigorous screening processes to ensure complaince with bsasic standards.

Ogunlende mentioned that the executive arm gave out the approvals to complement government-owned orphanages.

He noted that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains commited to ensuring that the vulnerable children are raised in conducive environments where they can receive proper care and attention.

“We are determined to jealously guard this space against quackery and and form of malpractices that could endanger the lives of our children,” said Ogunlende.

“The value of life far outweighs the fees paid for registration. These homes will remain closed pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. Appropriate sanctions or corrective measures will be applied based on the findings to deter future violations.”

While addressing key prerequisites for approval for the orphanages, the Commissioner said,” The fims must be able to provide the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) registration certificate alongside supporting documents.”

“The state mandates sole dedication, which means no other business operations within the facility. We also stipulate exclusive placement of children, which means no unauthorized adoption or child placement without the approval of the Ministry which would be defined in a specialized mode of operation.

“The ministry remains the sole authority for placing children in registered orphanages and we prohibit circumventing established protocols.”