Delta State has intensified its campaign to safeguard children, as the Chairman of the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, rallied stakeholders to strengthen child-protection systems across all Local Government Areas (LGAs). She reaffirmed that both the committee and the Ministry of Women Affairs remain fully active and responsive to all reports of child abuse.
Agas, who also serves as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, made the charge during a stakeholders’ meeting of the committee held at the Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
The meeting brought together a wide array of partners in the child-protection ecosystem, including Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) from LGAs, NGOs, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), orphanages, the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and other critical actors.
Speaking on the committee’s mandate, Agas said the Child Rights Implementation Committee was created to ensure full enforcement of the Child Rights Law in Delta State.
“We meet periodically to review how well we are carrying out our responsibilities. Local governments are also required to establish their own Child Rights Committees,” she explained.
She noted that the committee remains prompt in handling reported cases of abuse.
“Every day, cases of child abuse emerge. Once any report comes in, the committee swings into action—rescuing children, reconciling families, and ensuring protection. These meetings help us assess our performance, not replace the real work,” Agas added.
The session also featured presentations from partner agencies.
Chairman of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Delta Chapter, Venerable Emmanuel Amaje, raised alarm over illegal adoption networks and the failure of some regulatory bodies to act.
Amaje, who heads St. Barnabas Orphanage Home under the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, disclosed that while 62 orphanages are registered with the ministry, not all comply with operational rules.
“We ensure only legitimate operators remain. Any home found violating our constitution or engaging in unauthorised adoption is delisted and reported to the ministry. If any regulatory body knows of these activities and does nothing, it is complicit,” he said.
He further appealed for government support to cushion funding and operational pressures faced by orphanages.
In a related submission, the HPM of Bomadi Local Government, Mr. Asu Eteku, reported a worrying surge in drug abuse across Bomadi, Burutu, and Patani LGAs, urging the state to establish rehabilitation centres to tackle the growing crisis.
Several other groups presented updates, after which the meeting ended with an interactive question-and-answer session and renewed directives for HPMs to reinforce functional Child Rights Committees across all LGAs in the state.