…assures the protection board of full government support.
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-Owned Social Homes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups across the state, The iNews Times reports.
The newly established Board is chaired by the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with co-chairmanship by Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke. Other members include Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo (Vice Chairman), Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih (representing the Ministry), Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu. Barr. Uzoama Okeji will serve as the Executive Secretary.
While inaugurating the Board at the Government House, Governor Mbah emphasized that social welfare remains at the heart of his administration’s development agenda.
“Even as we project significant economic growth, we also commit to eradicating poverty. This means ensuring inclusive prosperity, no one, especially the vulnerable, should be left behind. Our success will be measured by how we care for the weakest among us,” he stated.
The governor assured the Board of full government support, including access to resources, tools, and funding required to transform the state’s social protection homes.
“We are committed to ensuring that residents in these homes live in dignity and comfort,” he said.
The First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, urged members of the Board to commence work immediately and uphold the highest standards of transparency, diligence, and legality in fulfilling their responsibilities.
“Be fair, be transparent, and always act in the best interest of the children and other vulnerable groups in your care,” she charged.
In a related development, Governor Mbah has granted clemency to 11 inmates in correctional centres across the state, as part of efforts to decongest prisons and offer reformed individuals a second chance.
The clemency, conveyed by the Chief of Staff, Barr. Victor Udeh, to the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, was granted under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The inmates granted clemency are: Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
Their release follows verified reports of good conduct, rehabilitation, and the acquisition of productive skills while in custody.
The Advisory Council includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), and other justice sector stakeholders.
