The Imo Ministry of Women
Affairs and Social Development has warned its staff and people of the
state against aiding and abetting illegal child adoption.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ngozi Izunobi, gave the warning during a general meeting with staff of the ministry at the state Secretariat, Owerri, on Thursday.
Izunobi
said that anyone caught in the act would not only be dismissed from
service but also be handed over to the police for prosecution.
She said there were laid down rules and regulations guiding child adoption which must be adhered to at all times.
The
permanent secretary described children as gifts from God, whose life
and privileges should be respected and cherished by all.
She observed that it was the responsibility of staff of the ministry to guide intending couples appropriately on child adoption.
Izunobi
also advised couples to be prepared at all times to obey such rules and
regulations, to safeguard the sanctity of the process.
The permanent secretary used the opportunity to urge staff to adhere to the ethics of the civil service by being punctual work.
She also advised them to desist from malingering and leaving office before the close of work.
Responding on behalf of the staff, Mr Henry Nkemdirim, the
Director, Administration and Finance in the ministry, assured the
permanent secretary of the readiness of staff to continue to abide by
the work ethics.