Governor Willie Obiano has hosted a-nine year- old Somtoo Nnakaa, seen in a viral video hawking oranges at Ultimate Plaza in Awka Anambra State at eleven o’clock in night.
Little master Somtoo was received alongside his mother, Mrs. Ogochukwu Nnakaa at the Governor’s lodge, Onitsha.
Correspondent, Ngozi Obileri was part of the visit and reports that as requested by Governor Obiano, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Chief Uche Nworah led Somtoo, his mother and some ABS staff on the visit.
Receiving them, Governor Obiano expressed displeasure over the reckless attitude of Somtoo’s mother, who was not bothered that her son was allowed to be outside by that time of the night selling oranges.
Governor Obiano reprimanded her for being careless with the boy’s life and future, regretting that many children are being abused by their parents and guardians.
He cautioned that using children to make money for the family is a taboo and against Child Rights Law and other laws, hence should not be encouraged.
Governor Obiano explained that the reason behind his requesting for the boy’s parents is to hand them over to the police but since Somtoo’s father abandoned his wife and six children, prosecuting the woman will expose the children to more hardships.
The Governor promised to assist the boy’s mother to secure a better means of livelihood in addition to awarding Scholarship to Somtoo up to university level.
He also directed the ABS MD/CEO, Chief Nworah to investigate the family to see if the rest of the children are suffering similar fate and notify the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to take care of them as he said that every child has right to good food, shelter and quality education.
He warned that going forward, any child caught hawking on the streets especially at night will be taken away and their parents will face the wrath of the law.
He gave them a parting cash gift for their upkeep pending when the assessment of the family’s requirements is ready.
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