The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy on child trafficking, illegal adoption and all forms of child abuse.
Speaking during a meeting with the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes, held as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child welfare administration and safeguard the rights of children under institutional care, Onyekesi stressed that all children’s homes must operate in strict compliance with the Anambra State Child Rights Law and other relevant regulations.
She maintained that the welfare and protection of every child in the care of registered homes remained non-negotiable, warning that the ministry would not hesitate to sanction any home found violating the law or operating below approved standards.
The Commissioner also announced that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and security agencies, would begin a statewide revalidation and inspection of both registered and unregistered children’s homes. She said only facilities that meet the prescribed standards would be permitted to continue operations.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes, Mrs. Helen Eze; the Director of Child Welfare, Dr. Nkechi Anazodo; as well as proprietors and heads of various children’s homes across the state.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
discussions focused on key issues affecting child welfare, including stricter enforcement of operational guidelines for children’s homes, tackling the rising cases of adoption fraud, and the comprehensive revalidation of all registered homes to ensure compliance with statutory standards. Participants also deliberated on funding challenges, staff capacity building and improved reporting mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Helen Eze commended the Commissioner for her proactive leadership and pledged the association’s full support towards sanitising the child welfare system and promoting best practices in children’s homes across Anambra State.
