Don’t give out your children, Secretariat cautions parents

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, has urged parents to desist from giving out their children as house helps, in spite of the challenges they may be facing them.

She gave the advice yesterday, when she visited a 9-years-old girl, who was hospitalized at the Garki General Hospital, after being assaulted by her guardian, in Abuja.

Expressing her dismay over the girl’s predicament, the Secretary, noted that children are a gift from God and everyone them has a unique place in the society.

“I’m advising teachers and parents to always checkmate, by relating one on one with them, as knowing what is happening to them will go a long way to curb this kind of menace in the society.

“ Because it so painful looking at this little that is less than 14-years facing this kind of assault from a supposedly guardian, who should ordinarily be taking care of her.

“But even if you (parents) must give out your children, at least wait until he or she is up to 18years of age,” she expressed.

However, she reassured that the government has taken up the case, to make sure justice is done.

Onuh , noted that the such cases of child assault has become more rampant in the FCT, saying “We will liaise with relevant health stakeholders especially at general hospitals in the FCT, to ensure that doctors reports such cases to the Secretariat, for necessary action.”e for the girl.

Also, she emphasized that residents in the FCT should report such cases of assaults to guidance and counseling unit in schools, who will send such cases to the Secretariat.