The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to set up a committee to monitor and audit orphanage homes in the state, threatening to close down and prosecute orphanage homes operating as businesses as against their designation as charities. The Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Maria Edeko, who stated this on Monday, said the committee will formulate holistic policies on the management of orphanage homes and adoption, in line with the state’s child rights law. “They build orphanage homes with the intention to make a profit, rather than for charitable purposes. You will understand that the issue of human trafficking has been a very strong challenge globally and at the state level, Governor Godwin Obaseki has made serious efforts to stamp out human trafficking in Edo State. It is a charity and if you do not have the heart to do charity, you cannot be in the issue of managing orphanage homes.

Source: Punch January 03, 2022 19:36 UTC