The Ogun State Government has warned orphanage homes across the state to stop giving out babies for adoption without going through the proper legal process.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, gave the warning in Abeokuta while speaking with journalists. She said no orphanage or private home has the right to release any child for adoption without first contacting the ministry.
She said, “No home, no orphanage, no private home has the power or the authority to put a child up for adoption without coming to the Ministry of Women Affairs. If you have an adoptable child, then you have to reach out to the ministry. The Department of Social Welfare is the only one empowered under the law to put up a child for adoption.”
Adeleye explained that any adoption done outside the ministry’s approval is illegal and can be treated as kidnapping or child trafficking. She noted that licenses of many private homes were earlier revoked due to sharp practices involving some orphanages and even ministry staff.
“At some point this year we had to revoke all licenses of private homes because we discovered that there are sharp practices going on, even between some staff in the ministry and some private homes,” she said. “They all had to come back after due diligence being done on them to reapply.”
She explained that adopting a child in Ogun State is not expensive and the legal process is strictly followed to protect both the child and the adoptive family.
“The entire process for adoption in Ogun State as we speak is not up to N500,000,” she said. “You get your form, fill it and when we have a child that fits into your description, we would call on you and then start the legal aspect of it.”
She also encouraged members of the public to report any case of child abuse, neglect, or children seen roaming the streets to the ministry or nearest police station. She said the government is ready to help such children and provide them with education and a better future.
