The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children by urging orphanage operators across the state to comply fully with approved operational standards and regulatory requirements.
Eko Hot News reports that the directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Creches and Orphanages Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development on July 1, 2026, at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja.
The meeting, themed “Operational Standards and Regulatory Compliance for Orphanage Homes,” brought together founders and operators of orphanage homes to strengthen collaboration and promote quality residential child care across Lagos State.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described orphanage homes as vital partners in the state’s child protection system.
He noted that beyond providing shelter, orphanage homes are expected to create safe and nurturing environments where children can access quality education, healthcare, emotional support and opportunities for personal development.
According to the commissioner, genuine compassion must be supported by professionalism, accountability and strict compliance with established child welfare regulations.
Ogunlende explained that the Lagos State Government has developed comprehensive operational standards to ensure that every child receives care in a secure, transparent and accountable environment.
He said the guidelines are designed to protect children from neglect, ensure proper documentation, improve case management and promote dignity in residential care services.
The commissioner also assured operators that the state government would continue to provide policy guidance, technical support and capacity-building programmes to improve service delivery.
He added that regular monitoring and compliance inspections would remain part of the government’s efforts to strengthen child protection across Lagos.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, commended orphanage operators for supporting government efforts in caring for vulnerable children.
She, however, stressed that compassion alone is not enough to guarantee quality care, noting that strict compliance with regulatory standards remains mandatory for all operators.
Oke-Osanyintolu outlined key operational requirements, including proper registration and licensing, child-friendly facilities, qualified caregivers, sound financial accountability and comprehensive record management.
She also emphasised the importance of maintaining effective child safeguarding policies to ensure the safety and well-being of every child under institutional care.
The stakeholders’ meeting featured expert presentations aimed at improving participants’ understanding of legal obligations and best practices in child protection.
Presenting a paper on operational standards, the Director of Legal Services at the ministry, Kemi Olugbode, highlighted the legal framework regulating orphanage homes in Lagos State.
She explained that the Child’s Rights Law places the best interest of every child at the centre of all decisions relating to residential child care.
Olugbode said every orphanage operating within Lagos must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and licensed by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development before commencing operations.
She further explained that children requiring institutional care must be admitted only through approved legal procedures and court authorisation where necessary.
The legal expert emphasised the need for proper documentation, qualified personnel, child protection policies, adequate healthcare, nutrition, education and counselling services.
She also highlighted the importance of regular inspections and compliance with infrastructure and staffing requirements prescribed by the ministry.
Olugbode recommended mandatory background checks for all staff members, continuous professional training and clearly defined qualifications for caregivers working in orphanage homes.
Participants at the meeting engaged in discussions on improving collaboration with government agencies and adopting best practices that enhance the quality of residential child care.
Officials noted that stronger partnerships between government and registered orphanage operators would help improve child welfare outcomes across the state.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every vulnerable child receives quality care in a safe, supportive and professionally managed environment.
Authorities also pledged to continue strengthening regulatory oversight while supporting licensed orphanage homes through training, guidance and institutional development.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for all operators to prioritise compliance, accountability and child-centred care as essential pillars of Lagos State’s child protection agenda.
