By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has on Oct 11, visited a girl allegedly abused by her mother, who is receiving medical treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka.
During the visit, Onyekesi assured the girl of the state government’s commitment to her protection, welfare and recovery, reiterating the need to safeguard vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.
The commissioner received an update on the girl’s health and treatment. She was informed that the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, had personally paid her medical bills and continued to provide food for her since her admission.
Onyekesi commended the CMD for her compassion and humanitarian gesture, describing her intervention as a demonstration of genuine concern for the welfare of vulnerable children.
She called on individuals, organisations and institutions to support children facing abuse, neglect and other forms of hardship, stressing that protecting children required collective responsibility and sustained commitment.
The commissioner assured the girl that the ministry would collaborate with relevant agencies to provide the necessary medical care, protection and psychosocial support. She added that appropriate measures would be taken to address the alleged abuse in accordance with the law.
Onyekesi urged residents to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the ministry or the nearest security agency, noting that prompt reporting and collective vigilance were essential to preventing further harm to children.
She also commended the management and staff of COOUTH for their dedication to the girl’s treatment and welfare, emphasising the importance of collaboration between government institutions and healthcare providers in protecting vulnerable children.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment, under the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to strengthening child protection and upholding the rights and dignity of every child in Anambra State.
She urged parents, caregivers, community leaders and relevant authorities to unite against child abuse and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, caring and supportive environment.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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