Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society and fostering inclusive growth.
The newly constituted Board is chaired by the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with Reverend Father and Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, as co-Chairman. Reverend Canon Chibuike Okolo serves as Vice Chairman, while the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, represents the Ministry.
Other members include Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu. Barr. Uzoama Okeji was appointed Executive Secretary of the Board.
Speaking during the inauguration at Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah said the initiative aligns with his administration’s goal of inclusive prosperity, especially for the most vulnerable.
“Recall that even when we expressed a huge growth projection, we immediately added that we were going to also eradicate poverty, which means that we are always interested in our common humanity,” he said.
“We know that as a people, we are only as good as our weakest link. So, we cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or behind. What we have pledged is inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic growth, and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those very vulnerable ones in our society.”
The governor also expressed confidence in the board members, praising their experience, ethics, and dedication.
“I am so excited that we have the sort of resources, a pool of people with great reputation, experience, and work ethics to serve on this Board. We are committed to making sure that we provide you with all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social homes live in comfort and dignity,” he added.
Also addressing the Board, the First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, urged members to uphold transparency, diligence, and compassion in carrying out their duties.
“I urge you all to be diligent, fair and transparent in discharging your duties. Discharge those duties in compliance with the law and take good care of our children,” she said.
Meanwhile, Governor Mbah has granted clemency to 11 inmates across correctional centres in Enugu State as part of efforts to decongest prisons and offer reformed inmates a second chance at life.
Those granted clemency include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
The clemency was granted under the governor’s constitutional powers of Prerogative of Mercy, as outlined in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and was based on recommendations from the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The council, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, based its recommendation on reports of reformation, good character, and demonstrated potential for reintegration into society.
The Advisory Council comprises representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other justice sector stakeholders.
