Baby Market : Unregistered Orphanage Homes to be shut down in Edo State

Edo state government has commenced  enforcement of  the closure of unregistered orphanage homes in the state with a warning that any orphanage home operating illegally will be shut down and their license revoked to stop illegal baby market in the state

The enforcement  team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Gender Issues, Dr. Peter Osagie disclosed this during  an unscheduled visit to Omosefe Orphanage home, Ugbor  road and Famous Faithland Orphanage, Ikpoba Hill, following a tip off that they are operating illegally.

It would be recalled that  on March 28, 2012, Edo State Government  ordered the temporary closure of two orphanage homes and on April 24th 2020, shut down the orphanage homes over poor facilities.

Reliable sources disclosed that since they were closed down by the government, the orphanages have  been operating illegally in an unhealthy environment not suitable for an orphanage and to their amazement at the Omosefe Orphanage home, the enforcement team which includes Social welfare workers and the Director, Child Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Kate Bello  saw the unhealthy environment  which was like  a poultry farm and a den for raising criminals.

The owner of  Omosefe Orphanage who was not around when the enforcement team visited  was invited for questioning by the law enforcement Agency to explain why she was operating when she was not authorized to do so.

Also, at the Famous Faithland Orphanage, where some children were found,  it was discovered that the one bedroom apartment  orphanage home has since been closed down with no license to operate a creche either.

The Permanent Secretary who disclosed that the Orphanage homes remain closed said the Ministry is getting intelligence report that some orphanage homes are operating illegally for baby market.

“We want to ensure that the rights of the child is protected, because the Child Rights law protects the child from even their irresponsible parents.  Any orphanage that want to operate should go through the proper channel and get registered by the Ministry and they should stop operating illegally,” he added.