Anambra First Lady Mrs Nonye Soludo, has cautioned parents against giving out their underaged children as maids and live-in servants.
Mrs Soludo who was speaking in Awka, observed that children in their most vulnerable age should be learning the basics of life and not sent out to face uncertain environments.
Angel Network News report that the governor’s wife noted that the growing cases of abuse of children by their presumed guardians and caregivers could be averted if parents can resist the temptation of giving out kids as maids for whatever reason.
She explained that children at an early stage of life should be learning from their parents, and wondered why a child who can barely bath him or herself should be sent out to do major chores in another woman’s house.
Mrs Soludo also noted that a parent’s primary responsibility should be to take care of their children, teach them the values of life and how to be the best in whatever they do, pointing out that giving out a kid at such age is selling them out to slavery and danger.
The governor’s wife who acknowledged that economic difficulties faced by most families can play a major role in the act, explained that there is no justification for sending a child away when they should be in the closure of their parents.
She also asked parents to be mindful of who they give their children to, take out time to study the temperaments of the person, and to always check up on the child to ascertain their welfare and comfort.
The Anambra first lady, who reaffirmed her commitment to fighting abuse of women and children in the state, restated that Anambra State remains a red zone for abusers, traffickers and those who have no respect for human dignity.
She also asked anyone who notices any incident of abuse to, as a matter of conscience, report to local authorities for immediate intervention.
