By Saheed Ibrahim

The Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has condemned the neglect of a six-year-old girl with disabilities by her parents.

The ministry acted after the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) brought the child’s parents, Mr and Mrs Ibrahim, to the Women Affairs Child Department at Igbatoro Road, Alagbaka, Akure, earlier today.

The child, who has physical, speech, and hearing impairments, was allegedly abandoned due to her parents’ financial constraints.

The Hope had earlier raised alarm about the dire condition of the girl at Kajola in Akure.

This led to Ondo NAWOJ, FIDA and the NSCDC storming the house to rescue the baby.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Child Welfare at the Ministry, Odushola Oluseyi Oluwakemi, described the abandonment as unacceptable and rooted in ignorance, stressing that parents have a duty to care for their children.

“I observed a lot of ignorance in this situation.

“A child with physical challenges should not be abandoned.

“The parents decided to abandon her because of financial limitations, but it is their responsibility to care for her, regardless of those constraints,” she said.

Oluwakemi noted that the ministry has taken steps to ensure the child receives adequate care and has referred the parents to an institution capable of providing the necessary support.

“Both the father and mother are alive and well-fed. It is their responsibility to care for their child.

However, we have directed them to an organisation where they can get assistance.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and involve the Ministry of Health if necessary to ensure they overcome this challenge,” she added.

She urged parents to seek help from relevant agencies rather than locking up or abandoning children with challenges.

The Chairperson of FIDA Ondo State, Bolanle Olafumiloye, reiterated that the Child Rights Law of Ondo State, enacted in 2007, protects children from neglect, abuse, and discrimination.

“Under the law, parents must care for their children. Neglecting or abandoning a child is a crime punishable by law.

” It is an offence to maltreat or abandon a child you have brought into this world,” Olafumiloye stated.

She assured that FIDA and its partners will intensify sensitisation efforts to educate parents on their responsibilities and the rights of children, ensuring that all children in the state are adequately cared for and protected.

The Ondo NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Tola Gbadamosi, led the team involved in the case. Other members included FIDA Secretary Nike Omotayo, NAWOJ Treasurer Comrade Folasade Olaseyinde, and NAWOJ Financial Secretary Comrade Olu Fisoye Adeniran.