By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has ordered the closure of Arrow of God Children’s Home in Nwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, over poor sanitary and environmental conditions.
The closure followed an inspection of the facility on Oct. 31, during which officials reportedly found unhygienic conditions and poor maintenance, raising concerns about the health and safety of the children residing there.
The inspection is part of the ministry’s intensified monitoring of children’s homes across the state to ensure compliance with approved operational standards and safeguard children from neglect and unsafe living conditions.
The home, owned by Lt. Col. Deborah Ogoo, was reportedly experiencing management challenges linked to the owner’s advanced age and inadequate support, making it difficult to maintain a clean and suitable environment for the children.
Speaking during the inspection, Onyekesi said the government would not allow children to be exposed to unhealthy or unsafe conditions in facilities established to provide care and protection.
She stressed that operating a children’s home required proper supervision, regular sanitation and adequate attention to the physical and emotional well being of the children.
The commissioner said the ministry would sustain its inspection and monitoring exercises across the state, warning that facilities operating below prescribed standards would face appropriate regulatory action.
She urged operators of children’s homes to uphold acceptable standards of care and accountability, emphasising that the safety, dignity and rights of every child must be protected.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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