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The Rivers State government has disclosed plans to establish a home for the elderly and the remodelling of the Children’s Home in Borikiri in Port Harcourt.
The state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr Ilamu Arugu, disclosed this during a meeting with his management staff to take an appraisal of 2024 and make projections for 2025 at his office in Port-Harcourt.
Highlighting what he termed significant progress in various areas, the commissioner said the ministry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024 and successfully surmounted the challenges faced to make significant advancements, particularly in child welfare and social services generally.
He said, “The ministry targets in 2025 include establishing a proposed home for the elderly, partnering with relevant non-governmental organizations to monitor homes using specialized software in enhancing the management and care of children in orphanages.
“We shall also publish a quarterly newsletter, showcasing activities of the ministry and remodelling of the Children’s Home at Borikiri.”
He expressed optimism that with the approval of the governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, the ministry will make significant strides in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable populations in the state, even as he encouraged the staff to take ownership of the upcoming projects to enable the ministry to achieve set goals.
Meanwhile, the commissioner in a statement by his media aide, Martha Igbiks, made available to newsmen said the key accomplishments in the year under review included tackling illegal baby factories to ensure the safety and well-being of children, and enhancing public safety initiatives by addressing the movement of mentally challenged individuals on major roads in Port-Harcourt.
Others, Arugu said, were promoting a safer environment for residents and improving care facilities through fumigation and carrying out minor repairs at the children’s home, to provide comfortable living conditions for residents.
The statement added, “Introduction of a monthly cash prize of N100,000 for the best staff member to boost morale and encourage optimal service delivery.
“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 Social Welfare and Rehabilitation commissioner
commended the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, for her invaluable support and administrative efforts that have assisted the ministry’s growth and praised the directors for their dedication, which he said have been instrumental in achieving success in the ministry.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Prof Jumbo 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.
