ABUSE VICTIM: ENUGU DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER, HAILS GOV. MBAH FOR FULFILLING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OFFER TO HAPPINESS

ABUSE VICTIM: ENUGU DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER, ENEH HAILS GOV. MBAH FOR FULFILLING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OFFER TO HAPPINESS

Published by JANE-CARESTV, Wednesday April 17, 2024. 

The Deputy Minority leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly and Member representing Awgu North Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mrs Jane Eneh has hailed the governor of the state, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on the implementation of the full scholarship award offer to the 11-year-old Enugu-born minor, Miss Happiness Nwafor, who was violently abused by her guardian, Mrs Adachukwu Okafor, an Onitsha-based female lawyer, now at large.

The deputy minority leader, who is the chairman, House Committee on children, gender affairs, and social development gave this commendation on Wednesday, April 17, shortly after the official handover of the abused minor to the Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loan Board for proper documentation and continuation of her education.

Assuring that the scholarship award covers Happiness Nwafor's studies from primary to university education, Gov. Mbah equally approved her continuous rehabilitation to ensure that she does not live with the trauma of the incidence, presently or in the future.

Decrying the reoccuring cases of child abuse, Gov. Mbah reiterated the stance of the state government in leaving no stone unturned in dealing decisively with anyone who has no respect for human dignity. The governor warns those still indulging in the acts of child abuse, human trafficking, molestation, violence against women and children, among others to desist from it, as the full arm of the law has zero tolerance for such barbaric acts, and will not be lenient with anybody found wanting. 

The governor assured that "The Child Rights and Responsibility Law of the state is in place to ensure that those who abuse our children face the full arm of the law."

Stating that the scholarship will offer Happiness Nwafor, the opportunity to pursue and fulfil her academic dreams in life, the governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih stated that "the governor is very much concerned about the welfare of citizens of the state through deliberate policies and programs targeted at improving their well-being."

"This accounts for the reason why the governor has made concerted effort at building smart schools across the 260 wards in the state, and also making basic education in the state, free and compulsory," Mrs Enih added. 

Commending the governor for the intervention and huge support the agency has been receiving from his administration, the Head of Administration of the Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loan Board, Mr Peter Nkwuo promised that the agency will give full implementation to the governor's directive, without any excuses for failure.

Expressing her profound gratitude to Gov. Mbah, Happiness' mother, Mrs Nwanneka Anioke, said the kind gesture to her daughter is a huge relief and succour to the family.

"Elated over the approval and implementation of the scholarship award to little Happiness Nwafor, the deputy minority leader commended the governor for walking the talk on his philosophy of "Tomorrow is Here" for the citizens of the state. Happiness Nwafor, her family and the good people of Awgu local government are eternally grateful to you and your administration for this gesture, the deputy minority leader assures Gov. Mbah.

Commending once more, the efforts of the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah; wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo; Enugu State Commissioner for children, gender affairs and social development, Mrs Ngozi Enih; Anambra State commissioner for women affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo for their roles in championing the cause of the abused victim, Happiness Nwafor, the deputy minority leader assure them that they already have a place in the good book of history and in the hearts of the people. 

#OkolikeMichael

Media Assistant to the Deputy Minority Leader ENHA.