Don’t give out children as domestic help, adoption, minister tells parents

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has cautioned parents against giving out their children as domestic helps or for adoption to avoid cases of child molestation, domestic abuse and other forms of abuse.

The minister stated this at a new year party to celebrate school children and encourage them on the path to greatness, yesterday in Abuja.

She said parents have the duty of protecting children from all forms of abuse and harmfulness practices by providing safe spaces for their growth and development.

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“The adoption of children is no more the way it used to be, narratives are being changed you can’t adopt a Nigerian child and whisk the child away to overseas and do what you like.

“I urge parents, don’t have children you can’t train, these are some of the reasons these children are suffering. It is unfair and very bad that you have children you cannot train and subject them to so many sufferings. Even some, when they give out their children to help others, they don’t look out to know if the child is okay or not.

“These children are loved by Nigerians and we don’t want them to be treated anyhow anymore so even the teachers should take note, ask the child questions and report back because the teachers are already aware that when you maltreat a child, it is a crime. We have mobile courts to report those that have molested or defiled these children.

She said having a house help is not a problem, but they must be of age and such house help should not be maltreated under any circumstance.

The minister adds that “The essence of this party is to let children know that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy, to bring them together to realize that we are one in Nigeria and not about tribe, religion. The party is a united front.”

House Committee Chair on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara said children are the future of every nation and must therefore understand that they have a role to play in nation building.

She said that “As children, students and Nigerians, you also have a role to.pay in nation building. Don’t see yourselves as just children who enjoy life, sleep, wake up eat, play and go to school. You have to start building yourselves as leaders.

“I also want to urge you to remain prayerful, obedient and serious with your studies. Know that there is no achievement you cannot reach in this life and don’t let anyone restrict you that there is an area that is a ‘no go area’. There is no barrier and no ‘no go area’s for you.”

Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Social Development, Gombe state, Asmau Muhammed-Iganus, noted the Child Rights Act is a key instrument for the protect of children and enforcement of their rights and dignity.

According to her, Gombe government has already adopted the Act to protect children in the state.