Adijat Adeleye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, has cautioned the state’s orphanage institutions against placing children for adoption without first notifying the authorities.
Adeleye warned that anyone caught in the act would be subject to the full force of the law, arguing that the orphanages do not have the right or power to offer kids for adoption.
The commissioner emphasized to reporters at her Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office that any activity without the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s consent is null and invalid and is tantamount to kidnapping and child trafficking.
She said that over 30 private residences had their licenses withdrawn by the state government due to sharp practices and irregularities, but that they had reapplied after meeting the standards.
“We had to cancel all private home licenses at some point this year after learning of dishonest acts occurring, including between some ministry employees and private residences.
They all had to return to reapply once their cases were thoroughly investigated. No private residence, orphanage, or home has the right or ability to place a child for adoption without first contacting the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“If you have an adoptable child, then, you have to reach out to the ministry and the process is done here. The Department of Social Welfare is the only one empowered under the law to put up a child for adoption.
“Any other thing done otherwise is null, void and that is tantamount to kidnapping and child trafficking,” she said.
Adeleye explained the process of adoption saying adopting a child in the state is not up to N500,000.
“The entire process for adoption in Ogun State as we speak is not up to N500,000. 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 up to the 21-days publication until you get the temporary order and after some days you get the final order.”
Acting as their brother’s keeper, the commissioner asked everyone to report any unfairness, gender-based violence, or youngsters seen straying from the law to the nearest police station or ministry.
We can help some people get back in touch with their family. However, the government is more than willing and able to care for those we are unable to bring back together, send them to school, and provide them with a fulfilling future,” she continued.
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