Bayelsa Declares War on Unlawful Child Adoption Operations

Joanah Gigi, the Bayelsa State Commissioner overseeing Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment, and Social Development, has issued a stern caution to all orphanage operators within the state. She emphasized the critical need for strict adherence to established laws and regulations concerning child adoption, warning that failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including the shutdown of their establishments. During a recent engagement with stakeholders, specifically private orphanage home proprietors in Yenagoa, Commissioner Gigi underscored that all child adoption processes must be conducted in close partnership with her ministry.

This crucial gathering took place soon after Commissioner Gigi's participation in the National Policy Forum on Women, Children and Families, an event orchestrated by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja. Gigi implored those managing orphanages to guarantee that every interaction with potential adoptive parents strictly follows legal provisions and fully aligns with established adoption protocols. She stated, “This meeting was convened to brief stakeholders on newly introduced national policies and strategies on child adoption and welfare, which are intended to address loopholes identified in previous systems.”

The Commissioner further elaborated that these recently implemented policies aim to bolster the overall well-being, safeguarding, and empowerment of women, children, and families engaged in the adoption journey.

Gigi unequivocally declared that any adoption process executed outside of approved procedures, lacking proper documentation, or without official certification from the ministry would be deemed illegal. She further clarified that any orphanage discovered to be in contravention of these regulations would face legal sanctions. In her words, she warned, “Any children’s home that fails to comply with the new guidelines will face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure. The welfare and protection of every child remain a priority for the state government.”

She also announced, “We will soon embark on unscheduled monitoring visits to orphanage homes across the state to assess compliance. Necessary guidance and documentation requirements would be provided to facilitate adherence to the new policies.”

Lending her voice, Mrs. Agnes Oloye, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, affirmed that the Bayelsa State Government has consistently extended its support to children residing in its orphanages, offering comprehensive care and aid until they reach the age of 18.

Mr. Olufemi Koleola, the Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Orphanage, expressed his approval for the newly introduced policies. He suggested that these new frameworks should also consider addressing the common pressure exerted by prospective parents who often desire to expedite the adoption process.