By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

AN Anglican priest, Reverend Maxwell Ogazi has raised the alarm over the increasing rate at which babies were sold in Anambra State, describing the trend as modern slavery.

Expressing worry over what he described as the proliferation of illegal orphanages in the state, Ogazi who is the Director of Christian Compassionate Community Children’s Home, Obosi in the  Idemmili North local government area,  cautioned against the sale of children under the guise of adoption.

According to him, babies should not be sold to foster parents, but should be given out for adoption without any monetary consideration.

He said: “Running of orphanages should be purely on charity and must be registered with the appropriate government ministry for periodic checks.

“Those engaging in illegal adoption without the knowledge of child development department of the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs offend the laws of the state.”

He advised those who have any need for adoption of children to look for homes that were duly registered and equipped with modern facilities for the comfort and care of the children.

“Running of  orphanages could be very demanding and capital intensive and public spirited individuals and  government should consider supporting orphanages to help offset the education and health bills of inmates This would go a long way in curbing the sharp practices by some orphanage operators,” the cleric further suggested..

Ogazi listed the challenges facing orphanages  to include  lack of operational vehicles, generating sets, food items, children’s beds, baby walkers, as well as toys and routine drugs.

He, however, commended the state Commissioner for Women and Children affairs in the state, Mrs. Ndidi Mezue for what he called  the revolutions she had introduced in the system.