The Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues has relocated children from Zuma Memorial Orphanage Home located at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area on account of its dilapidated condition.
Briefing newsmen during an inspection tour of orphanages in the State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Barbara Osobajo, represented by the Director of Child Department, Mrs. Kate Bello, said that the development at the orphanage home became necessary due to a lack of basic amenities and other facilities for operation, including substandard accommodation, poor record keeping and lack of proper care for the children.
The children in the home were relocated to Benin City by the Ministry for proper care and placement.
Mrs. Osobajo advised all orphanage homeowners to keep to standards and adhere strictly to the rules guiding their operations in the State, adding that the state government is against illegal operation of orphanage homes.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that Edo State Government will sanction orphanage homes that hide under the guise of their status to commit crime, noting that the full weight of the law will be brought against those who perpetrate unwholesome acts.
Mrs. Osobajo further encouraged all intending orphanage operators to ensure that their orphanage homes are properly registered with the State Government, as this is in line with the State’s agenda of making Edo great again.
