The Rivers State Government has issued a definitive directive to all orphanage operators and childcare providers, mandating immediate registration and strict adherence to statutory frameworks. The move follows a high-profile controversy involving the Omega Power Ministries (OPM), which sparked a broader conversation on the legal rights of persons with special needs.
The directive was formally announced by Lauretta Dimpka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Port Harcourt.
The government’s intervention was prompted by public outrage surrounding a plan by Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of OPM, to arrange a marriage for his 21-year-old autistic adopted daughter. The plan, which included incentives for potential suitors, went viral and drew the attention of social welfare authorities.
Addressing the OPM founder and other stakeholders, Madam Dimpka noted that while the intentions of the faith-based organisation may have appeared benevolent, they failed to meet legal standards.
“As a faith-based organisation, the interventions appeared well-meaning but fell short of compliance with the law,” Dimpka remarked.
The Ministry underscored that all childcare and welfare interventions must be anchored in existing legislation to protect the most vulnerable. Key legal instruments cited include: The Child’s Rights Act: Providing a legal basis for the protection and welfare of all children. The Persons with Disabilities Act: Safeguarding the dignity and autonomy of individuals with special needs. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP): Offering protection against exploitation and harmful practices.
“These laws mandate strict safeguards for minors and persons with special needs,” Dimpka stated, adding that mandatory registration for all orphanages is now essential to ensure adherence to child protection protocols.
In a candid admission during the meeting, Apostle Chinyere acknowledged that his actions were a result of procedural ignorance rather than malice. He thanked the Ministry for the enlightenment, signalling a shift in the church’s approach to social welfare.
“This meeting is an eye-opener,” Chinyere stated. “I have been doing things without knowing that they were wrong. Now I understand better.”
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to monitoring welfare institutions to ensure that every child and person with special needs is shielded from practices that may compromise their rights or dignity.
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