The Lagos State Government has closed down multiple orphanages implicated in illegal activities, including baby trafficking and unauthorized adoption procedures.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, made this revelation during the annual ministerial press briefing commemorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s sixth year in office.
Ogunlende stated that *God’s Time Orphanage* in Igando was sealed for violating child rights laws, poor registration practices, and overall mismanagement. Similarly, *Lifetime Changer Orphanage* in FESTAC was shut after investigations uncovered involvement in baby trafficking. Other facilities were found guilty of bypassing legal adoption processes.
“Our ministry receives credible intelligence and conducts routine inspections to protect children in these homes,” Ogunlende said. “Once we verify violations, we take swift action to hold perpetrators accountable. We encourage all operators to adhere strictly to established guidelines and consult with the ministry before setting up any orphanage.”
The commissioner highlighted that, within the past year, the state approved the full registration of 68 orphanages, while 45 others received provisional licenses after thorough evaluation. These facilities complement existing government-run orphanages in providing care for vulnerable children.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Youth and Social Development remains the sole authority for child placements in the state, urging stakeholders to respect regulatory protocols.
Ogunlende also reported that the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) empowered over 1,000 persons with disabilities in the last year through financial support, vocational training, work tools, and healthcare access.
