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STORY:
Our story, published on May 22, 2023, and numbered 36052023 on this page (www.taiwoakinlamiblog.com), was titled: “London court jails Nigerian for three years for flogging son.” It is disheartening to witness a similar incident unfold again, involving another Nigerian parent living in the United Kingdom.

In this case, a Nigerian doctor based in the UK has lost custody of his 16-year-old son after flogging him with a belt. The incident occurred when the doctor caught his precious son and friends watching an inappropriate video late at night. Outraged, the father resorted to corporal punishment, resulting in his son being taken away by the police after his friends reported the incident.

During the court proceedings, the friends testified that they heard the father saying, “Is this how you want to become a doctor?” while beating his son. The boy also revealed that his father consistently forced him to study a subject he did not want, insisting on a medical career for him.

As a result of this distressing event, the court ruled in favor of the child’s safety, deciding that the precious doctor’s 16-year-old son should be placed in custody care, with no option to return to his father’s house.

SENSES (Child Safeguarding and Protection Principle):
This incident highlights the recurring issue of corporal punishment and its impact on a child’s well-being. In developed nations like the UK, children’s rights are prioritized, and strict systems ensure their safety. Discipline should never dehumanize a child; instead, it should foster their understanding of human dignity.

STONE (Call to action):
As a Child-Focused Organization, we call on primary and secondary parents to take heed of this alarming trend:

1. Promote Positive Discipline: Discipline should be viewed as a culture, teaching our precious children through positive examples and nurturing their growth without resorting to harmful methods.

2. Empowerment over Imposition: Let us empower our precious children with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude to excel in life, recognizing that they are reasoning beings who do not learn effectively through force or imposition. Our precious children should not be the dumping ground for our preferences. Instead, we should nurture their individuality, allowing them to choose their own paths while providing the guidance and support they need to thrive. By empowering our children, we pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future for each of them.

3. Safe and Secure Environment: Create a safe and secure environment that allows children to express themselves freely, fostering their individuality and nurturing their emotional well-being.

Conclusion:
The recurrence of such incidents necessitates a collective effort to ensure the safety and well-being of our precious children. Responsible parenting involves guiding our children with love and respect, ensuring they grow into balanced and fulfilled individuals. As we advocate for a better future for our precious children, let’s remember that their success lies in our ability to provide them with the support and freedom to pursue their dreams.