3 weeks ago
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An Anglican priest, Reverend Maxwell Ogazi has raised alarm over the high level of sale of babies in Anambra State.
This came barely a week after the police in the state described the disappearance of children in Anambra schools as an emerging trend.
Speaking to journalist on Friday, Ogazi who operates an orphanage, Christian Compassionate Community Children’s home, Obosi, Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, said that the level of sale of babies in the state had reached an alarming rate.
He said the sales were usually carried out under the guise of adoption by people who posed as childless couples.
“The current proliferation of illegal orphanages through which modern slavery is perpetuated in the society is high. Babies should not be sold to foster parents but should be given out for adoption free of charge, so long as those taking them can take care of them”, Ogazi said.
He added that running of Orphanages should be purely on charity grounds and must be registered with the appropriate government ministry for periodic checks.
“Running of orphanages should be purely on charity and must be registered with the appropriate government ministry for periodic checks. Those engaging in illegal adoption without the knowledge of Child development Department of the State Ministry of Women’s and Children Affairs offend the laws of the state.”
He urged those who would have any need to go for adoption of children to look for homes that were duly registered and equipped with modern facilities for the comfort and care of the children .
While noting that running of orphanages could be demanding and capital intensive, he called on public spirited individuals and government to consider supporting orphanages to help to offset the education and health bills of inmates.
The cleric said this would go a long way in curbing the sharp practices by some of orphanage operators.
He outlined some of the challenges of orphanages to include vehicle, generators, food items, children’s beds, baby walkers and toys as well as routine drugs.