...the Honorable Commissioner, Mrs Ngozi Enih educates the team and the general public on due process and principal legislation regulating adoption
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| Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, addressing the Directors of Partnering Hospitals |
In a resolute move to tackle the menace of black-market adoption, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, convened a crucial meeting with partnering hospitals and service providers. The focus of the meeting was to emphasize on the importance of adhering to proper adoption procedures and to warn against engaging in illegal adoption practices.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih underscored the ministry's commitment to its mission of providing care and support to the community. She expressed the need for all involved parties to cooperate in ensuring a smooth and ethical adoption process that upholds the rights and welfare of the children.
During the meeting, the commissioner educated attendees on the vital legislative regulations governing adoption and stressed the significance of following due processes. She made it clear that the Enugu State Government is steadfastly dedicated to eradicating black-market adoption. She warned that severe legal consequences await anyone found participating in such unlawful activities.
"For legitimate adoption to take place, age, marital status, gender, character and finance are taken into consideration, more guidelines for adoption and procedures to avert ill treatment on children and women which includes child trafficking and Child labour are expressively stipulated in the The Enugu State Child Rights Law 2016, in line with Nigerian Child Rights Law 2003 which guides as the principal legislation regulating adoption in Nigeria, and it sets out the required qualifications a person must fulfil to be eligible to adopt a child"
Hon. Enih went futher to acknowledge the plight of Nigerian citizens and her ministry's intentions to change the narrative; "However, factors such as economic hardship, lack of knowledge of the legal process of adoption and corruption amongst others are associated with illegal adoption. with time the ministry with take up a public enlightenment programmes to educate the public on legal processes of adoption in Nigeria"
"Creation of more employment opportunities especially for young ladies and harmonisation of adoption laws that will put some control on the operation of some orphanage homes will go a long way." She concluded.
Dr. Aikay Ubaka, speaking on behalf of the Partnering Hospitals and Chief Medical Director of Cimac Clinics Uwani Enugu, pledged unwavering support to the ministry's cause. Dr. Ubaka praised the commissioner's commitment to her role and expressed confidence that under her leadership, the objectives of the ministry would be achieved, while commending the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Mbah for appointing Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih to Chair the Ministry.
"On behalf of the Partnering Hospitals, I wish to sincerely appreciate our innovative governor, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for assigning a new energetic and passionate young woman as a Commisioner of this sensitive Ministry such as Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development. Indeed, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih is the best candidate for the job, looking back at her antecedents and passion for humanity" Dr. Ubaka Stated.
Among the attendees were esteemed directors of partnering hospitals, including Dr. Eneh C.C of St. Bridget Hospital Emene, Dr. Ikechukwu Onoh of Tex Hospital 9th Mile Corner Ngwo, Dr. Osita Ngwu of Love and Care Hospital 9th Mile Corner, Dr. Augustine Olive of Olivia Hospital Achara Layout Enugu, Rev. Sis. Imelda Okonkwo of DDL Eha Alumona, and Dr. Regina Akosa of Happy Home Foundation, Independence Layout Enugu.
The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, has taken decisive action against the rising trend of black-market adoption. This illicit practice involves the unauthorized buying or selling of children, often bypassing legal procedures and exploiting vulnerable birth parents. Commissioner Enih's strong stance against black-market adoption sends a clear message that the state is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children and ensuring a lawful adoption process.
As the Enugu State Government takes steps to curb illegal adoption, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih's meeting with partnering hospitals serves as a powerful reminder that the community must unite against the exploitation of vulnerable children and stand up for the principles of ethical and lawful adoption.
