From Saka Bolaji, Minna
The Niger State government is to expend N83.3 million to complete the abandoned state owned Orphanage Home in Minna, the state capital.
Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Roseline Abara disclosed this at the post executive council meeting press briefing in Minna.
The Commissioner said the existing facility built over 40 years has been overcrowded and in a deplorable state, hence the construction of a permanent and modern facility for the less privileged children.
Abara said that the new home which was started by the previous administration but abandoned due to lack of fund will now be expanded to have more features that will make the living condition of the children conducive.
To this end, the Commissioner said six bedroom chalets to accommodate social workers working with the children, a clinic and a play parlour for the children will be added to the existing structures in the home.
Abara said: “The Orphanage Home has been at a temporary site for the past 40 years and the new one at its permanent site has been abandoned by the past administration for lack of funds but Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has directed that we complete the facility and give these children a better abode.
“Though work has gotten to 75 per cent completion level before it was abandoned, we will require N83.3 million for the completion and furnishing of the home,” the Commissioner disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner said the state government is committed to empowering women and youth across the state this fiscal year.
This she said will be in fulfilment of government determination to give priority attention to women and youth in accordance with the principle and spirit of the 2017 budget.
The Commissioner then disclosed that her Ministry has concluded enumeration of women groups in the state in order to kick start the women and youth empowerment scheme.
Leave a Reply