The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has declared zero tolerance for child abuse in the state, describing it as sin against God.
The governor made this declaration in his reaction to the brutalisation of Happiness Nwafor, an Enugu-born minor, by her Anambra-based guardian, Adachukwu Okafor.
Mbah expressed serious displeasure over frequent abuse of minors who are usually used as house-help, warning that he would not tolerate acts of violence and maltreatment of children by parents and guardians as such criminal acts fall short of civilised norms.
He approved full scholarship for the brutalised girl, disclosing that the scholarship would cover her studies from primary to university level. He also approved her continuous rehabilitation to ensure that her experience does not impede her present or future.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, said the scholarship would afford the girl, who is a native of Umuanigo clan, Enugu Oweri in Awgu Local Government Area, the opportunity to pursue and fulfil her dreams in life.
“The governor is very concerned about the welfare of citizens of the state through deliberate policies and programmes targeted at improving their well-being and also ensuring that their dignity is preserved.
“This is why the governor ordered that the minor be rescued from the claws of her guardian, who had been maltreating her. With the full rehabilitation and scholarship graciously awarded by the governor, Happiness is certain of living her dreams like other children,” the commissioner said
She added, “it’s also for the reason that no child should suffer deprivation that the governor is building world-class smart schools and has also declared basic education in the state, free and compulsory. The Child Rights and Responsibility Law of Enugu State is also in place to ensure that those who abuse our children face the full wrath of the law.”
On his part, the Head of Administration, Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board, Peter Nkwuo, promised that the agency would give full effect to the governor’s directive as they had no excuse for failures.
He commended the governor for the intervention, adding that the agency has been receiving huge support from the administration.
Happiness’ mother, Nwanneka Anioke, who said she was traumatised on hearing about the incident, appreciated the philanthropic gesture of the governor towards her family and other families, saying the news of the scholarship and the ongoing rehabilitation for full recovery came as a huge relief to her entire family.
The inhuman treatment on Happiness was first reported on February 1, 2024, in a viral video, which attracted the attention of the Enugu State government and prompted its immediate intervention to rescue the child in collaboration with Anambra State government where the incident occurred.
The minor, an 11-year-old, was living as a house help with an Anambra-based lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, who carried out the torture on her.
