In response to a viral video, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development during an inspection visit, have shut down the illegal operation of “His Grace Children Home and Hostel Orphanage” in the Isolo area of the State.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende said, “No unregistered orphanage will be allowed to operate in Lagos State without the necessary official permit. The State Government will not fold its hands and watch contravention of the laid down rules and regulations meant to ensure an acceptable standard of operation”.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu warned against observed unethical practices among operators of orphanages in the State.
She said, “Times without number we have had stakeholders’ meetings with the registered home operators in a bid to ensure that we are on the same page of doing what is acceptable. It is unfortunate that a thing like this can still occur. All those who have decided to go the way of illegality had better desist forthwith because we will come after them. Every home operator in the State must abide by the rules”.
His Grace Children Home and Hostel Orphanage at the time of being shut down had seven wards, four adults between 18 – 25 years, and three children between 13 – 16 years. The orphanage was never registered with the State Government.