Osinbajo to Chair Hold Power of Adoption Conference

The wife of the Vice-President, Dolapo Osinbajo, will the special guest of honour at the power of adoption conference organised by the Heritage of Adoption Support and Advocacy Group (HASAAG).

The event which will take place at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, by 5p.m on October 28 is tagged: ‘Power of Adoption’.

Speaking at a media briefing recently in Lagos, the Chairperson of the organisation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, said the conference was aimed at dispelling the negative impression of stigma and shame associated with adoption in the society.

He also stated the event would also garner for the adoption cause, adding that it would also focus at enlightening the public on the subject of adoption.

Ighodalo further stated that the event would allow prospective adopters, adoptive parents; adoptees and the community understand that there is an advocacy group they can be part of.

He added: “The issue of infertility in our society is a very serious issue. It affects 25 per cent of married couples in Nigeria. Also, about 40-45 per cent of all consultation in gynecological clinics are infertility-related according to medicalworldnigeria.com.

“Although male infertility has been found to be cause of failure to conceive in about 50 per cent of cases, the social burden falls disproportionately on women, who suffer discrimination, stigma and ostracism according to a World Health Organisation (WHO).

“While some infertile couples will respond to different types of fertility treatments, some sadly will not. This is usually a very difficult position. Fortunately, for such couples, adoption offers them the opportunity to have a family. Unfortunately, because of the stigma and the shame associated with adoption, it is usually shrouded in much secrecy. It is this stigma and shame that we seek to dispel by enlightening people appropriately on the subject of the adoption.”