A New Chapter in Enugu’s Social Welfare and Justice Reform

9 hours ago

Enugu State is entering a new and hopeful chapter in its journey toward better social welfare and justice. In a bold and compassionate move, the Governor of Enugu State has officially inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes. This board will play a key role in making life better for those living in government run care homes, places where the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, and others in need live and receive care.

This step shows the Governor’s strong commitment to inclusive governance, which means making sure every group in society, especially the vulnerable, is cared for, protected, and respected. The goal is to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or challenges, is treated with dignity and fairness.

The newly established Board is being chaired by a special person Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the First Lady of Enugu State. Her deep compassion and leadership qualities make her an excellent choice to lead this important work. Her involvement reflects the government’s belief that leadership should be driven by love, kindness, and responsibility. She has always shown care for the underprivileged, and now, she will help ensure these homes are places of comfort, not neglect.

Meet the Members of the Board

The Governor did not stop with just a good idea. He chose a team of trusted, experienced, and respected individuals to work with the First Lady. The full list includes:

Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke – Co-Chairman
Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo – Vice Chairman
Mrs. Ngozi Enih – Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development
Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka
Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe
Pastor Elias Anyigbo
Mrs. Anna Igbokwe
Barr. Chidi Egonu
Barr. Uzoama Okeji – Executive Secretary

This team brings together people from different areas of service religion, law, social development, and community leadership to make sure the needs of the people in these homes are met with care, professionalism, and dedication.

The Governor has asked the Board to carry out their duties with honesty, fairness, and respect for the law. He has promised to give them all the support they need money, materials, and staff so that the lives of the people in these homes will be filled with comfort, peace, and dignity.

But the Governor didn’t stop there. In another act of kindness and justice, he also announced that 11 inmates in Enugu correctional centre have been granted pardon. This was done under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which gives the Governor the legal power to forgive certain prisoners based on good advice and careful review.

These pardons were recommended by the Enugu State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, a special group that looks into such matters. The council includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, CAPIO (Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization), CIDJAP (Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace), and other important groups working in the justice sector.

The Governor praised the hard work of Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and all the members of the advisory council. Their careful and thoughtful work helped make the decision to give these 11 people a second chance in life.

Building a Better Enugu for All

With these actions, setting up a strong, caring team to run the state’s social homes and showing mercy to deserving inmates Enugu is showing what real leadership looks like. A leadership that is just, caring, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

This is not just about today. It’s about building a future where no one is left behind.

Tomorrow is here. And Enugu is leading the way.