Governor Peter Mbah has launched a welfare board to protect Enugu’s social homes and vulnerable citizens.
He also granted clemency to eleven reformed inmates, promoting justice, dignity, and social reintegration.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable in society.
The newly formed Board will be chaired by the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke serving as co-chairman. Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo will serve as vice chairman, while the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, will represent the ministry. Other members include Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu. The Executive Secretary is Barr. Uzoama Okeji.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized that the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of inclusive growth and poverty eradication.
“When we announced our ambitious growth targets, we also made it clear that our development would be inclusive no one would be left behind,” Mbah stated. “We are only as strong as our most vulnerable members. This Board reflects our commitment to ensuring dignity and care for those in our social homes.”
He expressed confidence in the caliber of individuals appointed to the Board, highlighting their strong reputations, experience, and work ethics. He also pledged to provide the necessary resources to improve the conditions of the state’s social welfare homes.
“We are determined to equip you with the tools and funding you need to transform these homes into places of dignity and comfort for our people,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah urged Board members to approach their responsibilities with integrity and transparency.
“I urge all of you to be diligent and fair. Let the law guide your actions, and please, take special care of our children,” she said.
In a separate development, Governor Mbah has exercised his constitutional powers to grant clemency to eleven inmates in correctional facilities across the state. The move is part of ongoing efforts to decongest prisons and reintegrate reformed individuals into society.
The inmates granted pardon are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
According to a statement from the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, and conveyed to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the clemency followed recommendations from the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The council chaired by the Attorney-General includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among others.
The decision to pardon the inmates was based on demonstrated behavioral reform, acquisition of vocational skills, and assessments by the correctional authorities and advisory bodies, in accordance with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
