Anioma Trust

18/11/2024

*Jubilation As IUANA Begins Installation of Solar Street Light Across Issele-Uku*

By Patrick Ochei

Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into jubilation as patriotic sons and daughters of the community, who are residents in the USA under the aegis of Issele-Uku Association of North America (IUANA), have begun the installation of solar street lights across various villages in Issele-Uku.

This is a commendable initiative and effort as Anioma Trust was in town to witness the take-off of the much talked about installation project.

Interacting with the Issele-Uku amiable monarch, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), he expressed optimum joy over what his subjects are doing to aid self-help developmental projects in the community.

Agbogidi Nduka said, he has never been disappointed by his people, both at home and abroad since ascending the throne of his forebears in eight years, thereby reverencing God for His grace and divine support towards him and those leading the community with him.

He further expressed the confidence that Issele-Uku remains one community amongst numerous others in Delta State where self-help in community effort and development has become increasingly monumental.

According to him, "I am the king who God has helped. I remain eternally grateful to Him and to our Great Ancestors for finding me worthy to superintend over great and illustrious subjects across the world. Issele-Uku Kingdom and her people have been a huge blessing to me, and I am thankful to God for such a privilege.

"Let it be known to our sons and daughters in IUANA that Issele-Uku people are grateful for this kind gesture of theirs, and I assure them that we will never take their kindness for granted. I pray that God and our Ancestors continue to keep them safe and secure in the foreign land, prosper them more and continue to grant them the wisdom and wherewithal to always give back to their community here in Nigeria", Obi Nduka said.

For the Engineer in charge of the project and CEO of Datarack Technology, Engr. Uyi, he was ready to deliver on purpose, having been given the terms of reference and specification for the project.

Most parts of Issele-Uku will be lighted up this December and from the evidence on ground, Issele-Uku is capable of hosting any calibre of visitor or tourist who chooses the town for his or her holiday.

From the record, 160 panels of solar light are involved in this initial project phase, which are already being mounted at designated locations across Issele-Uku metropolis.

17/11/2024

*Journalists In South-South Reunite As Fubara's CPS, Nelson Chukwudi Buries Mom In Delta*

By Patrick Ochei

It was a reunion of sort as Journalists in the South-South region of Nigeria, Saturday 16th November, 2024, gathered at Isheagu in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, as Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara held a befitting burial ceremony for his dear mother, Late Mama Agnes Chukwudi Ashikodi Ugbechi.

The agrarian community of Isheagu was agog with the influx of visitors from different parts of Nigeria, especially Port-Harcourt in Rivers State to honour an amiable journalist and strategically recognized leader in Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Speaking at the burial ceremony, the Deputy National Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Lilian Ogabu described Comrade Nelson as a man of the people, maintaining that such trait of selfless and accommodating leadership would have been a reflection of the quality training he got from his mother.

The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who led the Rivers State Council's delegation to the burial ceremony, Comrade Ike Wigodo was categorical in ascribing the position of a maximum leader to Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, whom he said as CPS has continued to patronize and carry journalists along in the business of Rivers State Government.

Representing the Chairman of Delta State Council of NUJ and leading the Council's delegation, Comrade Patrick Ochei, immediate past Secretary of the Union in the State, narrated his working relationship with Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, dating back to over four years ago; said there was no doubt that his leadership disposition started from the moral and selfless values inculcated in him by his mother.

Ochei acknowledged that the tributes poured out in honour of Nelson's mother was an evidence of virtue and proper motherhood, praying that the memory of the legacy of Mama Agnes Chukwudi would continue to bring consolation, in addition to peace, joy and open doors to the family.

The 94 years old Late Mama Agnes Chukwudi Ashikodi Ugbechi (nee Nwokolo) was buried at the family compound of the Chukwudis at Umuobi, Umueze Quarters in Isheagu amidst eulogies, sermons and prayers by the officiating ministers led by Bishop Moses Obi of the Amazing Grace Int'l Church, Wuse 2, Abuja.

It was indeed a celebration of life as family members, well wishers and friends from all walks of life came from far and near to identify with the children of Mama in giving her a befitting last homage.

05/11/2024

*Anti Corruption Crusader, Kpokpogri Questions EFCC's Media Trial of Okowa*

By Patrick Ochei

An Abuja based Anti Corruption Crusader, Chairman, Anti Corruption and Integrity Forum and Board Member of the International Human Rights Commission, Comrade Prince Joseph Kpokpogri has condemned the media trial of the former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegations of funds diversion, insisting that he remains innocent until proven guilty.

Kpokpogri said there was no basis to release information to the media through an insider source from EFCC, thereby creating a media trial without an official statement on a concluded investigation.

He argued that the allegation of diversion of #1.3 trillion of the state's funds as being reported by the media is a breach of the former Governor's fundamental human rights, maintaining that it was wrong of the media to use such alleged diversion to speculate, including claiming that the former Governor was arrested when in actual sense, he personally honoured an invitation extended to him by the EFCC on 4th November, 2024.

The Activist asked, "If the former Governor diverted such an amount of money, was it that he never paid salaries throughout his eight years in office? Were there no projects executed by his administration at all?"

The full text of Comrade Kpokpogri's press briefing in Abuja:

"On Monday, November 4, 2024, the news space went agog over the alleged arrest and detention of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over claims of alleged embezzling of a whopping N1.3 trillion of Delta State’s funds.

"Since the news went viral, I have waited patiently for an official statement from the EFCC on the detention of the former Governor. It is a given that the anti-graft agency usually makes public such high-profile arrest and detention to show that nobody is above the law.

"However, it is surprising that the EFCC has resorted to using “sources” over such a sensitive matter. As an anti-corruption crusader, I find it a little troubling that the agency is shying away from making its position known when former Governor Okowa honourably presented himself to the Office of the anti-graft agency in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

"Dr. Okowa ought to be commended for being civil unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC, resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned. This trial by the media using proxies is untenable, vexatious and unfortunate.

"The very notion of mentioning such a staggering amount of N1.3 trillion is geared towards whipping up sentiments against the ex-governor, the PDP in Delta State and undercut his towering political status.

"One is not oblivious of the political intrigues concerning Delta State, aimed at undermining the PDP and weakening it at the grassroots to incite the people for a rebel against the party in future elections. If this is the intention, it has woefully failed.

"It is imperative to state that for N1.3 trillion to have been allegedly stolen, that means that salaries were not paid in Okowa’s eight years as Governor. It means that no roads were built, no hospitals were funded. In short, nothing was done in those eight years. Besides, what was the total federal allocations and internally generated revenue of the state for N1.3 trillion to have gone missing?

"It is regrettable that the media in its frenzy to “break the news,” and trend will buy and feed on such an unfounded claim. The media need to be careful in their reportage so as not to be seen in aiding misinformation and fake news.

"For context, we need to query the modus operandi of the EFCC. What has happened to the prosecution of some former governors that were taken to court by the agency? For instance Justice David Okorowa of the Federal High Court in Lafia, ruled that former Governor Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State should stand trial as he had a case to answer over allegations of N15 billion fraud. Also, in 2017, the EFCC said it would arraign Mohammed Nuraini Adamu, son of Abdullahi for alleged N92 million fraud. What happened? Nothing till date! Adamu went on to become National Chairman of the ruling APC.

"Also, the Supreme Court ordered for the retrial of the corruption case of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State. Till date, the case has gone cold with nothing from the EFCC. Of course, they and many more whose cases have been abandoned allegedly belong to the ruling party.

"My demand, which is that of majority of well-meaning Deltans, is for the EFCC to come clean on the invitation and arrest of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. The anti-graft body has its image to protect and should not be seen to be partisan or being used as a tool to undermine other political parties, especially the PDP in Delta State.

"It is important that the EFCC protects the fundamental rights of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and ought to grant him bail based on self-recognition without further delay. He should not be condemned in the court of public opinion before investigation and prosecution in court. It is strongly believed that this is politically motivated and a bargaining exchange for 2027. We recognise our relationship with the Commission; a lot of the operatives are our friends, but as anti corruption crusaders, we will not allow this injustice to thrive.

"My concern here is for justice to prevail. The Commission must make a public statement, release the former Governor or have us to contend with in Port-Harcourt. Let the right thing be done, or else, we will match down to Port-Harcourt office of the anti graft agency to demand immediate release of the former Governor. A stitch in time saves nine!", stated Prince Kpokpogri.

03/11/2024

*PRESS STATEMENT*

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

*Issele-Uku Royal Family Remembers Late Agbogidi Obi Henry Ezeagwuna At 10*

The public is hereby notified of the plans by the Issele-Uku Royal Family to remember our dear amiable monarch, HRM Agbogidi Obi Henry Ezeagwuna who went on a journey over 10 years ago.

The family has slated December 29, 2024, to remember him with a Mass at the St. Paul's Catholic Cathedral Issele-Uku and reception afterwards at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace.

We are by this medium, inviting all Issele-Uku sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, friends of Issele-Uku and well wishers to our Kingdom, to join in the celebration of this eventful 19th monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom.

The remembrance ceremony means so much to us as a family, and so we ask that you have us in your prayers as we celebrate the life and times of Agbogidi Obi Henry Ezeagwuna as well as call on God Almighty and our Great Ancestors to continue to endow our leaders and people with the wisdom and wherewithal to pilot the affairs of Issele-Uku with evidence of peace, unity and progress.

Odinma Issei ... Odianyi Naka!

Signed:

Comrade Patrick Ochei,
Media Consultant to HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE),
Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom.

16/10/2024

*Issele-Uku Community Warns Non Indigenes Against Taking Laws Into Their Hands Against Alleged Criminals*

Issele-Uku, an agrarian, peace loving and hospitable community has warned non indigene residents in the town against taking laws into their hands against alleged criminals while also admonishing others to desist from indulgence in crime.

This warning was contained in a statement released by the Issele-Uku Development Union (IDU) where it condemned in totality the lynching of two suspected criminals caught trying to sn**ch motor bikes in the early hours of Wednesday 16th October, 2024.

Accordingly, the statement demonised the non indigenes whose bikes were sn**ched, for grouping into a mob to lynch the suspects.

"We condemn this behaviour in its entirety. Issele-Uku is a sacred town that abhors human blood through jungle justice on its soil. We are a peaceful and hospitable people, and that is why our forebears decreed against any form of killing that involves human blood.

"We understand that the population of Issele-Uku is surging, being the Aniocha North Local Government headquarters, where people from within and outside the local government area come to do business and live. It's our intention to accommodate everybody that comes into our domain with genuineness of mind; but what we will not accept is mindless indulgence in criminality and commission of crime.

"For the past months, our people have not been sleeping well because of the activities of burglars, armed robbers and kidnappers running amok in our town.

"We will continue to work with the police and other security agencies to checkmate the activities of stranger residents before they turn our peaceful community into a haven for criminals.

"However, it is most unfortunate that criminals who were arrested and put in handcuffs by police could be retrieved from them and lynched by these aggrieved non indigenes. We want to sincerely advise that the security agencies should always enforce their rule of engagement during arrest of criminals to avoid mobs from venting their anger on the suspects.

"As a traditionally mindful community, we will consult with the elders to see how to carry out cleansing on the land and ward off evil from the community. Meanwhile, the Local Government Council should as a matter of urgency, please clean up and dispose the remains of the bodies to avoid contamination of the environment", read the statement as signed by the IDU President, Mr. Ugeh Offordile.

It was gathered that some thieves were caught and handcuffed by the police, but while on their way to the station, a mob descended on the criminals and lynched them.

11/10/2024

*Child Protection Activist, Ochei Advocates Inclusion of Moral, S*x, Entrepreneurship Policies Towards Girl-Child Education*

A member of the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee and child protection activist, Comrade Patrick Ochei has suggested to government at all levels to formulate policies geared towards conscious moral lessons, s*x education and entrepreneurship training as part of the education policy for the Girl-Child in the society.

Ochei who is also a journalist, is promoting this advocacy amidst the challenges faced by girl children when they are not morally sound to handle some pressures associated with female development in today's society, revealing that irresponsible men are always on the prowl looking for girl children to devour.

Leveraging on the celebration of the International Day of the Girl-Child, he said by putting the girls through moral lessons, s*x education and entrepreneurship training consciously and early in life, the tendencies of being better informed about life, its prospects and challenges would be high.

The journalist further affirmed that when girls are brought up on high moral standards where they know the dangers of early s*x and giving-in to s*xual pressures by peers, including being productively engaged in skills alongside their formal education, they tend to be strong enough to withstand pressures of social vices and moral decadence that tend to derail them in life.

Ochei recounted that indecent dressing, craze for money, clubbing and reckless lifestyle generally are gradually taking over the girl children as beautiful creatures of God, insisting that except something urgent is done by government and faith based organizations, the trend would go on unabated

Additionally, Ochei advised that "The Girl-Child must be vocal and cultivate the culture of speaking out when molested by irresponsible men in the society. The female gender is naturally a prey to men, not to talk about girl children who are most times vulnerable and can easily succumb to intimidation, especially after being abused.

"Parents must help in this circumstance by ensuring that their girl children know about s*x early in life. They must be taught how to protect themselves against s*xual harassment and scream for help where necessary.

"In all of these, there must be conscious policy of government to protect the Girl-Child. A lot of people are getting off the hook after breaking the Child Rights law. There must be justice for the Girl-Child who is abused and the law must always punish offenders of the law no matter their status in the society.

"In this regard, I appeal to Delta State House of Assembly to expedite action on the Child Rights Amendment Bill, 2024, to further strengthen it to meet up with the current realities in dealing with issues of child protection. The federal government must also look into areas of the Child Rights Act of 2003 that need strengthening for optimal protection of the Girl-Child.

"I strongly believe that the way we handle the Girl-Child in Nigerian society would definitely play a huge role in how we curtail future crimes and criminalities. This is because, from the girl you have a woman who eventually becomes the trainer of both the male and the female leaders in the society. When a Girl-Child blossoms into a proper woman and decent mother, she would parent responsible leaders that are capable of managing the affairs of our nation. Proper womanhood is all about responsible nationhood", Ochei posited.

10/10/2024

*Obi Nduka Counts Benefits of Peace As Committee Presents 2024 Ine Aho Festival Report*

By Patrick Ochei

The amazing king of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE) has appreciated the 2024 Ine Aho Festival Committee that presented it's report to him on Tuesday 8th October, 2024, alluding the persistent successes of Issele-Uku annual festivals to the existing peace amongst the inhabitants of the community.

The excited Obi Nduka while receiving the report including the photo book, calendar and video of the 2024 annual festival, said the 2024 edition of Ine Aho Festival recorded the best outing so far.

He acknowledged the role of peace, unity and cooperation as vital instruments that have continued to distinguish Issele-Uku community from others.

Agbogidi Nduka commended the Committee for showcasing an annual festival that passed for the best and superb coordination in history, maintaining that members were exceptional in delivering the tasks assigned to them.

Advising them on future events, Obi Nduka implored them to keep the 2024 template for future organizations of Ine Aho Festivals.

"We must keep upholding our culture and traditions the way we have continued to sustain it just as it was handed down to us by our forebears.

"I must say that you exceeded my expectations. This is the first time I am coming out this way to commend any of our Ine Aho Festival Committees. In fact, I am still receiving accolades on the festival from within and outside our domain.

"I make bold to say that 'your face show'. Let's keep this up, let this template become a model for subsequent festivals that we shall be organizing. It's my prayer that God continues to guide, protect and bless you for how you are helping to promote our cultural heritage", Obi Nduka responded.

In a well attended colourful meeting of the Ine Aho Festival Committee members at the Issele-Uku Palace, the Chairman and Okwelegwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Dr John Ochei joyfully presented the report of the 2024 Ine Aho Festival to the Royal Father, detailing the assignment of the Committee on each of the segments of the annual festival series, as well as the progress made.

He commended Obi Nduka for the opportunity to serve the community, while appreciating all Issele-Uku sons and daughters, both home and abroad for their financial supports to the annual festival.

He specifically recounted that the Committee meticulously raised funds for all the activities in the annual new year festival calendar, including the much beneficial Rafle Draw without incuring any debts.

The report presentation ceremony was attended by the Committee secretary and chairman of Venue Subcommittee, Chief Uche Ngbanwa, Entertainment Sub-Committee chairman, Chief Uche Austin Maha, Media/Publicity Sub-Committee chairman, Chief (Prof) Patrick Osiegbu and Mgba Ututu Sub-Committee chairman, Chief Fidelis Jigide.

Other members included Chief Brian Michael Odiakose, Chief (Engr) Onyeabor Nwabah, Mr. Chris Nwaobi, Mr. Anthony Onichabor, Mr. Tony Osemene, Mr. Odozi Patrick, Esther Isikekpei, Ifeoma Nwosu, Comrade Patrick Ochei and others too numerous to mention.

06/10/2024

*OFAAC Congratulates 14th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Azinge, Welcomes Him To The New Era of Cultural Renaissance In Anioma*

By Patrick Ochei

The culture umbrella body of Anioma Nation, the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) has congratulated the eminent legal scholar in Nigerian history and culture connoisseur, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.

OFAAC while expressing appreciation to God, welcomed Obi Azinge to join the rest of the Anioma kings to drive the development of Anioma culture and traditions.

In a statement endorsed by the President of the apex cultural organization, Arc. Kester Ifeadi amidst jubilation over the coronation of the new Asagba of Asaba, OFAAC maintained that a new era had been birthed in Anioma, where all traditional rulers in Anioma had buried their differences and are now working today in one accord. "We are profoundly grateful to God and our Ancestors who made this day possible.

"Today, among the array of very eminent and amiable royalties we have in Anioma, Obi Azinge has just joined the trail as a huge asset. As a trailblazer, we are proud of him and convinced he would be a cultural ambassador so delighted of by lovers of Anioma culture.

"On this special occasion and moment, we feel honoured to celebrate and congratulate him as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. He is eminently qualified", the statement read.

Obi Epiphany Azinge, SAN, born 13th November, 1957, is a Nigerian lawyer and academic. He was the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 to 2014.
He is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. "We pray that he will use his esteemed experience and influence, both nationally and internationally for the benefit and upliftment of Asaba and Anioma people in general", Ifeadi noted on behalf of OFAAC.

05/10/2024

05/10/2024

*Amidst Coronation, Asagba Azinge Enters Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba In Triumphant Procession*

By Patrick Ochei

The city of Asaba, capital of Delta State, became a beehive of activities as soon as His Royal Majesty, Asagba Obi (Prof) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge arrived the historic Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba in triumphant procession immediately after his traditional coronation and oath taking at the Palace of Ochendo Asagba Edozien on Saturday, 5th October, 2024.

It was indeed a triumphant entry as the legal icon and law scholar was led by the Odogwu Ahaba, Obi Nwanze Oduah, other Olinzeles and dignitaries to the Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, venue of homage paying to the new Asagba and then reception for guests and well wishers.

The new Asagba on arrival, had quickly moved round various canopies greeting dignitaries and different groups before going to the main hall of the Ogwa where eminent personalities from all walks of life were already seated and expecting his royal presence.

Earlier on at the Palace of Ochendo Asagba Edozien where he was duly handed over to, the Onihe Asaba decorated Asagba Azinge with the Asagba crown.

On acceptance of the authority to lead Asaba people, he pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the forebears of Asaba community.

Asagba Azinge also acknowledged that Asaba deserves better as a State Capital, pledging to take it to the height that it truly deserves among the comity of State Capitals in Nigeria.

It was a gathering of the who is who in Nigeria and beyond, including the likes of the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, former Senator representing Delta North, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, former Ministers of Information and Culture, Prof. Sam Oyovwaire and Chief John Nnia Nwodo, member representing Oshimili South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, Chairman Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Obi Ezenyili and others too numerous to mention.

04/10/2024

*Foundation To Lift 3 Families Out of Poverty In Delta*

By Patrick Ochei

A Non Governmental Organization known as Fostering Hopes Foundation has undertaken to lift three families out of poverty in its pilot scheme as it takes off with humanitarian services in Nigeria.

This information was disclosed on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, during a strategic meeting with the Operations Team of the Foundation at the Top View Hotel in Asaba, Delta State.

The principal partner of the Foundation and a Deltan, Ms. Nkechi Ukome said she was happy returning home to drive her dream of many years of planning to go into humanitarian services to families living below the baseline of poverty.

She affirmed that her idea of helping the needy in the society is to give them comprehensive help that touches on all sides as a way of stabilizing the family for better impact with a view to lifting them above poverty.

According to her, "I feel proud now as a Deltan, as a Nigerian and as an African seeing this Foundation taking off in my home State. You know what they say, 'charity begins at home'. So, I am pleased coming back home to launch this Foundation that is most eager to give struggling families a new lease of hope to face life from a happier, more comfortable and prosperous perspective.

"We are taking off with just three families that we are going to give a comprehensive survival package that will help them overcome intense struggle in the nearest future. Our target is to the women and children most particularly, but in the overall agenda, the impact definitely will affect the entire family members.

"I encourage you as team members to help drive this course with the fear of GOD and the desire to see suffering families ignite hope and have reasons to smile in life. I will be coming every now and then to monitor progress.

"This is a way to give back to our society. I want to believe that government cannot meet all of the needs of her citizens and so, it is pertinent and incumbent on all well meaning and well-to-do people of the country to contribute in lifting others up along the line.

"This is our modest way of supporting the progress, growth and development of our dear country and I hope it goes a long way in fostering hopes among the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized in the society", Ukome stressed.

Meanwhile, in partnership with the Welfare Department of the Heroes Family Church, Okpanam, three women - one a widow, another with a husband in prison and the other with a husband not capable to support his family were selected to be empowered to set up a proper petty trading business and expand where necessary.

The Foundation is to release fund to this effect and monitor the progress of the businesses in another six months before enlisting them to learn a skill that will launch them into another level of sustainability.

While the beneficiaries are being engaged in these businesses, the Foundation has also undertaken to put their children in a modest private school where it is going to take responsibility for their tuition fees and transportation cost.

The beneficiaries - Mrs. Cynthia Okoro has six children, five are to be enlisted into school, Mrs. Chinasa Ogbeyono has four children, three are to be enlisted into school and Mrs. Esther Obasi has five children, four are to be enlisted into school respectively.

04/10/2024

*Activities of Orphanage Homes Exposed As Delta Assembly Engages Public On Child Rights Amendment Bill*

By Patrick Ochei

The activities of the Orphanage Homes in Delta State have been exposed during the public hearing on the Delta State Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which held at the Press Centre of the Assembly on Wednesday 2nd October, 2024.

Addressing journalists at the end of the session, the presiding House Committee Chairman on Housing, Women Affairs/Girl-Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, Hon. Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu said the State might shut down the operations of the Orphanage Homes if they become toxic to the society, especially when they operate against the best interest of the child.

She stated categorically that the State was ready to implement the Child Rights law by following the best practices, hence the amendment of the law after 16 years of being domesticated in the State.

Anyafulu maintained that Orphanages are not supposed to keep children in their care until they grow into adulthood, saying that the law provides that children should stay in the Orphanages for a maximum period of three months before being given up for adoption or reunited with their parents or relatives.

However, in most cases, children grow into adulthood in the Orphanages, even beyond 18 years as a result of orchestrated shady deals by the operators of the Orphanages.

According to her, "Keeping of children in the Orphanages has a period of duration by law. We are ready to operate within that confines; we will no longer tolerate illegal operations of the Orphanages.

"The position of the law is very clear on this. The best interest of the child is of paramount concern and it must be considered in making decisions as to what happens to the child. Anything that constitutes evil against the child is a crime. We must ensure the protection of the child at all times; and whoever infringes on those rights is liable for punishment.

"If the orphanages cannot operate within the ambits of the law, then they just have to be shut down. Instead, we can have what is called the Foster Homes where children without parents or link to relations are kept and given the home environment treatment", Anyafulu explained.

Earlier during the public hearing session, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development and Chairman, Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas had narrated the challenges faced in regulating the operations of the 63 registered Orphanages in Delta State, revealing that majority of them are engaged in sharp practices for their own individual benefits.

She said they had continued to make adoptions difficult, thereby suggesting that they rather become Foster Homes than breaking the law and giving the State a problem.