…Orders Registration of All Orphanages to Curb Child Trafficking
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, marked his 62nd birthday with sweeping welfare interventions for vulnerable children and caregivers, announcing the immediate employment of 22 caregivers from special homes into the state civil service and unveiling fresh empowerment opportunities for young adults raised in orphanages.
The Governor made the announcement during a special birthday celebration held at Divine Children’s Home, Atan Offot, where he chose to celebrate the occasion with children drawn from 25 special homes across the state, describing the gesture as his personal way of giving thanks to God for the gift of life.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno said the employment of the caregivers was in recognition of their years of selfless and voluntary service in nurturing children in special homes.
“These caregivers have shown uncommon dedication and compassion in raising these children. Today, we are saying thank you by bringing them into the state civil service,” the Governor declared.
In another major announcement, Governor Eno approved the enrolment of 15 graduates of vocational schools into the Ibom Leadership and Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre programme, aimed at equipping them with further life and entrepreneurial skills.
The Governor also unveiled additional support measures for young adults raised in the homes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no vulnerable child in the state is left behind.
“Our celebration today is not just about marking a birthday; it is about sharing love, restoring hope and creating opportunities for those who need them most,” he said.
In a decisive move to strengthen child protection mechanisms, the Governor directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure the registration of all orphanages operating in the state, warning against the growing threat of child trafficking carried out under the guise of running orphanages.
According to him, the directive is intended to sanitize the system and guarantee proper standards in child care facilities.
“We must protect our children. No one should use orphanages as cover for trafficking or exploitation. Every home must be properly registered and monitored,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, praised the Governor for what she described as consistent compassion-driven leadership, noting that vulnerable groups have remained central to the administration’s development agenda.
“No one in these homes has been left behind in the projects and programmes of this government. The Governor has continued to demonstrate genuine concern for the vulnerable,” she said.
As part of activities marking the celebration, the First Family, led by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, made symbolic presentations of gifts to children in the special homes and honoured the top five students from each home for outstanding academic performance.
The event was further enlivened by colourful birthday renditions, songs, dances and drama performances by children from government special schools across the state, drawing applause from guests and dignitaries in attendance.
The celebration was more than a birthday event; it was a statement of compassion and inclusive governance, reflecting Governor Eno’s emphasis on people-centred leadership and social protection.
