The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has officially inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable population within the state.
The newly formed Board is chaired by the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with Prof. Christian Anieke, a Reverend Father, serving as co-Chairman.
Other key members include Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as Vice Chairman and Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, who represents the Ministry.
Additional members are Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, while Barr. Uzoama Okeji was appointed as the Board’s Executive Secretary.
During the inauguration at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Mbah expressed the importance of inclusive growth, saying,
“Recall that even when we expressed a huge growth projection, we immediately added that we were going to also eradicate poverty, which means that we are always interested in our common humanity.”
“We know that as a people, we are only as good as our weakest link.
So, we cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or behind. What we have pledged is an inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic growth and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those very vulnerable ones in our society.”
“That is why I am so excited that we have the sort of resources, a pool of people with great reputation, experience, and work ethics to serve on this Board.”
He further assured that his administration would provide all necessary resources to enable the Board to effectively manage the social homes.
“We are committed to making sure that we provide you with all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social homes live in comfort and dignity,” he emphasized.
Also addressing the Board, the First Lady urged members to begin work immediately and conduct their duties with integrity.
“I urge you all to be diligent, fair and transparent in discharging your duties. Discharge those duties in compliance with the law and take good care of our children,” she stated.
In a related development, Governor Mbah granted clemency to eleven inmates of correctional facilities in Enugu State.
This clemency move is aimed at reducing congestion in prisons while offering the beneficiaries a chance to reintegrate positively into society.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, conveyed the names of the beneficiaries to the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh.
The beneficiaries include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
The Governor exercised his prerogative of mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following consultations with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The decision was based on reports highlighting proven character reform, ability to reintegrate into society, possession or acquisition of productive skills, and recommendations from both the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Advisory Council, chaired by the State Attorney-General.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy also includes members from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other respected justice sector bodies.
