No Compromise on Care for the Vulnerable — Abdallah Assures During Inspection

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, has undertaken an inspection tour of traditional medicine centres caring for mentally challenged persons in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area, to assess the living conditions and overall welfare of residents.

During the visit, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. She emphasized that beyond removing mentally challenged persons from the streets, government is focused on ensuring that rehabilitation facilities provide humane treatment, proper accommodation, and a safe, structured environment that supports recovery.

Mrs. Abdallah stressed that the quality of the environment in which residents are housed plays a critical role in their healing process and successful reintegration into society. According to her, facilities must be clean, conducive, adequately staffed, and professionally managed to guarantee holistic rehabilitation.

She urged operators of the centres to ensure their facilities meet acceptable standards, including necessary building renovations, improved sanitation, sufficient living space, and the engagement of qualified caregivers capable of attending effectively to residents’ needs. She noted that persons receiving mental health care deserve compassion, dignity, and rehabilitation processes aligned with established best practices.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the Ministry would conduct thorough assessments before approving the relocation or admission of residents into any facility. She assured that periodic inspections would continue as part of the government’s oversight responsibility, warning that appropriate action would be taken against centres that fail to meet required standards.

Responding, proprietors of inspected facilities Dr. Ahialenkpen Abegbe Herbal Healing Home, Dr. Innocent Enobaikhale Herbal Healing Home, and Dr. Sylvester Eguarhen Herbal Healing Home expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the personal visit. They acknowledged the observations and recommendations made during the inspection and assured the government that the feedback would be carefully implemented.

The proprietors also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Ministry to standardise operations and improve the quality of care across their centres.