Anambra Warns Orphanage Homes Against Child Trafficking, Illegal Adoption

The Anambra State Government has warned operators of registered orphanage homes against child trafficking, illegal adoption and the sale of babies, stressing that anyone found engaging in such practices will face prosecution and possible imprisonment.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, issued the warning on August 4 during a meeting with leaders of the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes in Awka.

Onyekesi said the government would not tolerate activities capable of undermining its efforts to protect children, urging operators of children’s homes to maintain proper documentation, operate transparently and comply fully with government regulations.

She advised members of the public seeking adoption or child welfare services to deal only with authorised officials of the Ministry’s Child Development Department.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the ministry would commence unscheduled inspections of children’s homes across the state to monitor compliance and detect possible violations.

Responding, the Chairperson of the association, Mrs Ngozi Helen Eze, appreciated the Commissioner for engaging with operators and apologised for previous infractions committed by some members.

Eze pledged the association’s commitment to government regulations and called for increased government support in logistics and welfare to improve the operations of registered children’s homes.

She also pledged the association’s cooperation in identifying and shutting down illegal and unregistered children’s homes, which she described as major channels for child trafficking and unlawful adoption.

The association’s Secretary and Coordinator of Model Children’s Home, Awka, Rev. Sr. Akuchukwu Philomena Chikodili, condemned backdoor adoption practices, saying they undermine legitimate adoption processes and urged operators to maintain high ethical standards.

Also speaking, the Director of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, described orphanage management as a humanitarian responsibility rather than a profit making venture.

Earlier, the Head of the Child Development Department, Mrs Amaka Onyali, called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and registered children’s homes.

She directed all homes to submit monthly reports ahead of quarterly inspections and assured that the ministry would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of child protection regulations across the state.