Child-trafficking Affecting Orphanages – Proprietor

The chief executive officer of Holyland Homes, Owerrinta, Abia State, Gideon Nwandire has said child-trafficking is affecting availability of children at orphanages in the state.

Nwandire who stated this while speaking with newsmen said abandoned children, which used to be one of their major sources of children in orphanage homes, has become uncommon.

”Unmarried ladies with unwanted pregnancies, especially the young ones or teenagers now prefer to sell their babies after birth rather than abandoning them,” he said.

He said he and his wife established the home because they could not bear the sight of abandoned children, while many families are seeking to have them at all cost.

According to him, driven by their passion to educate the children, they established nursery, primary, and now secondary schools in the home.

”Some parents, who appreciate the way the children are nurtured with the fear of God are now enrolling their children and wards in the school although many cannot afford the fees.”

‎The officer assured that they have plans to train the children up to university level with their resources, his heritage from his father, and contributions from donours.

‎”We operate strict adoption rules and regulations which involve going through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Youths Development for proper documentation in the event such arises.

‎”These rules and regulations are very necessary to prevent children from falling into the hands of wrong individuals who may end up exploiting them,” he noted

‎He added that many people have been approaching the home for adoption, but unfortunately there are not enough children while some have overgrown such arrangements.