The Rivers State Government has called on orphanage home operators across the state to ensure proper registration and strictly adhere to laws guiding the protection of children’s rights.
The appeal was made by Lauretta Dimpka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The meeting followed public outrage over reports involving a Port Harcourt-based cleric, Chibuzor Chinyere, who was accused of making arrangements to marry off his 21-year-old adopted daughter living with autism, while also reportedly offering incentives to a prospective husband.
Dimpka said the government was prompted to step in after the matter went viral on social media, stressing that although the cleric’s intentions may not have been harmful, the actions did not comply with existing child protection laws.
She explained that key legal instruments such as the Child’s Rights Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act clearly set out safeguards for children and persons with special needs.
“These laws mandate strict safeguards for minors and persons with special needs,” she said.
Dimpka also commended Chibuzor Chinyere for honouring the government’s invitation and showing willingness to align with regulatory requirements going forward.
