Niger Delta
Welfare Ministry Reviews 2024 Milestones … Prioritizes Remodeling Children’s, Elderly Homes
Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has reviewed its achievements for 2024, highlighting significant progress in various areas.
The Commissioner, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known during a retrospective meeting with his management staff in his office in Port-Harcourt, disclosed that the ministry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024.
He also said the Ministry successfully surmounted the challenges faced to make significant advancements, particularly in child welfare and social services generally.
Key accomplishments highlighted by the Commissioner under review include: Tackling Illegal Baby Homes to ensure the safety and well-being of children; Enhancing Public Safety Initiatives by addressing the movement of mentally challenged individuals on major roads in Port-Harcourt, aimed at promoting a safer environment for residents; and improving care facilities by fumigating and carrying out minor repairs at the Children’s home, to provide comfortable living conditions for residents.
Others are: introduction of a monthly cash prize of N100,000 for the best staff member in the Ministry to boost morale and encourage optimal service delivery; renovation of the Commissioner’s office, which was previously in a deplorable state; installation of two transformers at the Rehabilitation Center in Iriebe and Safe Home in Borikiri to address power issues and enrollment of children under the ministry’s care into the Rivers State Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to provide quality healthcare services to them.
“Notably, the Ministry also initiated a team to ensure accurate and efficient documentation and data management at the homes, further enhancing transparency and accountability”. the Commissioner said.
The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner further unveiled the Ministry’s 2025 infrastructure plans, which include: remodeling of the Children’s Home at Borikiri.
He expressed optimism that with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval, the ministry will make significant strides in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable populations in the state, and encouraged staff to take ownership of the upcoming projects.
“The ministry’s 2025 targets also include: establishing a proposed home for the elderly; partnering with relevant NGOs to monitor homes using specialized software in enhancing the management and care of children in orphanages as well as publishing a quarterly newsletter showcasing activities of the ministry.
He commended the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Professor Justina Jumbo, for her invaluable support and administrative efforts that have assisted the ministry’s growth and equally praised the Directors for their tireless work and dedication, which, according to him, have been instrumental in achieving success in the ministry.
Mr. Arugu also hailed the Ministry’s media team for showcasing the ministry’s efforts through social media, newspapers, television, and radio stations.
Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of consistent teamwork amongst members of staff and urged them to maintain their collaborative spirit for the collective good of the ministry.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary underscored the crucial role of planning, teamwork, and accountability in driving the ministry’s success, urging her colleagues to exert maximum effort in achieving their goals.
The ministry, she said, has established notable collaborations with several organizations such as UNICEF, ActionAid Nigeria, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), and NGOS, including Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) to enhance its impact.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the need for specialized training for casual staff to handle vulnerable groups, given the ministry’s manpower shortage.
While praising the Commissioner’s leadership, the Permanent Secretary noted her willingness to tolerate mistakes and support staff growth for the new year.
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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.