The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of a residential care home located in the Oyi Local Government Area following inspections that revealed unacceptable living standards and poor sanitary conditions. Officials confirmed that eight minors were evacuated from the premises during the enforcement action.
Esther Onyekesi, the state commissioner responsible for women’s affairs and social development, announced the closure on Saturday after leading a monitoring team to the facility. The oversight visit was designed to evaluate operational compliance and ensure that vulnerable minors housed within charity homes receive adequate care and protection.
Why was the facility shut down?
According to the commissioner, the Arrow of God Children’s Home situated in Nwelle Ezunaka failed to meet statutory guidelines established for residential childcare facilities. State inspectors discovered that the environment was hazardous to the health and proper upbringing of the residents.
"The Arrow of God Children’s Home, Nwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, is operating below the required standards, with an unhygienic environment posing concerns for the welfare of the children," Mrs Onyekesi stated during the assessment.
Authorities noted that the institution, managed by retired Lieutenant Colonel Deborah Ogoo, lacked the basic infrastructural and hygienic prerequisites mandated by the government for running a safe children's home.
What measures are being taken to protect vulnerable minors?
Reiterating the administration's stance on child protection, the commissioner emphasized that the state would maintain strict oversight over all orphanages and foster centers operating within its jurisdiction. She stressed that no establishment would be permitted to jeopardize the dignity, safety, and general well-being of young people under institutional care.
"This home is hereby sealed by the inspection team over its failure to meet the prescribed standards," she added.
The rescued minors have been moved to secure state-monitored facilities where they can receive proper medical attention, counseling, and adequate care while investigations and administrative reviews continue.