The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that it has rescued and treated five persons with mental illness, while 93 survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) have received financial support. This is part of the government's efforts to restore vulnerable people to stable and productive lives. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, disclosed this information while presenting the ministry's interventions.
According to Etukudo, the rescued persons were treated, empowered, and reunited with their families. The ministry's mandate includes the protection and welfare of vulnerable persons in the state. However, Etukudo noted that the continued presence of mentally ill persons on the streets remained a challenge, as some families fail to take responsibility for relatives after they are rehabilitated.
Etukudo explained that the ministry works with the psychiatric hospital to provide treatment before reintegrating beneficiaries with their families. The ministry recently reunited two treated persons with their families, but stressed that rehabilitation did not end with hospital treatment. The beneficiaries are supported to engage in productive activities they can manage.
The commissioner also raised concern over children found sleeping on the streets, saying the ministry had been actively removing them and accommodating children brought by the police, anti-trafficking authorities, and other agencies. A total of 493 children had received care and support in government children's homes, including 89 pupils in primary schools, 53 secondary school students, and 62 undergraduates.
The ministry has also been working to address GBV, inaugurating a 20-member GBV Elimination Committee, financially supporting 93 survivors, and settling disputes involving more than 300 families. Additionally, 28 communities have been sensitized against harmful traditional practices, while over 3,600 women were reached across the 31 local government areas with information on women's rights and inheritance.
The ministry reported support for 47 girls and children rescued through NAPTIP and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, as well as assistance to 27 VVF patients. More than 325 mothers and caregivers were also sensitized on maternal wellbeing, infant nutrition, and appropriate breastfeeding practices. The ministry's interventions are designed to go beyond immediate relief, particularly through economic empowerment.
The ministry has established 60 livelihood processing mills in six local government areas, comprising five cassava and 55 oil palm processing mills, with start-up grants provided for beneficiary cooperatives. The overall objective is to ensure that vulnerable people are not merely rescued from difficult circumstances but given support to rebuild their lives. The ministry will continue working with families and relevant institutions to address the welfare challenges confronting women, children, and other vulnerable persons.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom state government rescues 5 mentally ill persons, supports 93 GBV survivors
- Ministry establishes 60 livelihood processing mills in six local government areas
- Government considers expanding children's homes due to significant pressure on available facilities
