By Catherine Egwuom
The Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development has outlined operational standards and regulatory compliance requirements for orphanage homes to strengthen child protection and welfare across the state.
The Legal Head of the ministry, Kemi Olugbode, gave the guidelines during a stakeholders’ engagement with founders and operators of orphanage homes in Lagos State on Wednesday in Ikeja.
Olugbode, a Barrister, said that Section 1 of the Child’s Rights Law placed the best interest of the child above every other consideration.
She said the law required every organisation, government institution and agency to prioritise children’s best interests in all matters affecting them.
According to her, Section 2 of the Child’s Rights Law provides for the care and protection of every child.
She commended orphanage operators for caring for children who were not biologically related to them, describing the responsibility as demanding.
She also noted that Section 73 of the Child’s Rights Law prohibited the illegal acquisition of custody of children by non-relatives, adding that only the appropriate authority, including the Commissioner, could approve adoption.
Olugbode said the commissioner, by law, was the custodian of all children in the state.
She added that although the family remained the best place for a child to grow, orphanages provided alternative care for children who could not remain with their families.
“No individual or organisation should operate an orphanage home without proper registration.
” The registration process begins with the Corporate Affairs Commission”, she said.
Olugbode emphasised the need to protect children’s rights to education and quality healthcare.
She also urged operators to conduct background checks on all personnel and caregivers before employment and consider their previous records.
The legal practitioner recommended proper record keeping and data management to promote effective regulation and inspection of orphanage homes.
She added that social workers and caregivers should receive adequate training and regular monitoring.
Also speaking, Mr Tunde Akewurola of the Child Protection Unit, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, outlined measures to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of children in orphanage homes.
Akewurola said everyone had a responsibility to protect children because of their vulnerability. He warned that abuse, neglect and exploitation had lasting effects but could be prevented through safe, caring and well-managed environments.
He advised operators to employ qualified and trustworthy personnel, establish clear child protection policies and reporting procedures, supervise staff interactions with children through Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, and protect children’s privacy.
Akewurola further urged operators not to use children for forced labour or financial gain, to encourage children to report abuse without fear, ensure access to healthcare and education, employ staff who shared their vision and work closely with child protection authorities.
He also advised orphanage operators to install suggestion boxes to encourage children to communicate freely and confidentially.
Earlier, Alhaji Ganiyu Dosunmu, Chairman of the Association of Owners of Homes Operators of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, appealed to operators to install CCTV cameras in their homes.
Dosunmu said the government would establish a task force to monitor and supervise operators to ensure compliance with operational standards.
Speaking with NAN, Mr Adebayo Adeleke, Founder of Hope at Last Orphanage Home, identified inadequate funding and lack of orientation for adoptive parents as major challenges facing orphanage homes.
Adeleke said not every child in an orphanage was available for adoption, explaining that some children remained under investigation for proper identification. He assured that his organisation maintained transparency in handling donations.
Also, Ms Sekinat Bello, founder, Diamond Centre for Children with Disabilities Orphanage Home, commended the ministry, particularly its social workers, for prompt intervention during an emergency at her orphanage home.
Bello pledged that her orphanage would continue to prioritise the safety, education and emotional well-being of children under its care. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu