From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Anambra State government has sealed an orphanage, Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Nkwelle Ezunaka, near Onitsha, Anambra State.
Commissioner, Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the license of the owner of the facility had also been withdrawn indefinitely.
She said the action followed report accusing the ministry of involvement in illegal adoption of a baby girl in connivance with one of the registered homes in the state.
She added that the founder of the home, Rev D. Ogo, presently at large, had ignored her invitation, an action she said contributed to sealing the facility in collaboration with security operatives.
According to the Commissioner, a total of 20 children, comprising 10 boys, 9 girls and a new born were rescued from the facility and are currently in the Ministry’s custody, while appropriate steps were on to trace and reunite them with their families.
Speaking to reporters shortly after sealing the facility, the Commissioner explained that the Ministry was neither aware of any adoption with the home, nor did the adoption process pass through the ministry.
She identified major irregularities that characterised the adoption as absence of three signatories which must be hers, Head of Child Unit and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry as well as use of a Court not certified by the Ministry.
She said, “Part of our mandate is to fight illegal adoption and we have put up measures to address that, including rules and regulations guiding operations of Orphanages in the state. We have designated courts which we informed all registered homes about, that they should not go to any other so we be in control of all adoptions.
“But Arrow of God went against the instructions. I found out that she carried out the adoption through one court in Nnewi to back up her nefarious acts. As soon as we saw the video, we rushed to the facility with police but discovered that the owners have disappeared, abandoning the entire children.
“We immediately sealed the facility and withdrew their license, while we brought the entire kids to the ministry to ensure their safety and upkeep.
While warning other orphanage operators involved in illegal adoption to desist forthwith, Obinabo charged intending adoptive parents to be wary of those parading themselves as Ministry’s consultants in facilitating adoption.
“The Ministry has not engaged the services of any consultant. Always report any suspicious activity found in any orphanage to us for appropriate actions,” she said.
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