Another milestone was achieved at the weekend by the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) headed by the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano when 27 inmates who had been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the Home for Mentally Challenged at Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area were certified fit and discharged to reunite with their families.
The centre which is run and managed by the wife of the Governor through CAFÉ in collaboration with the State Ministry of Social Development, Women and Children Affairs, had been handling fifty two inmates out of which twenty seven have been discharged while the remaining ones are still being treated and rehabilitated with a view to returning them to their families at the shortest possible time.
The programme leading to the discharge of the inmates started with a Mass held by Reverend Father John Manafa while the inmates were later engaged in singing and praises thanking God for his goodness upon them.
Addressing the inmates and some family members who turned up for the final discharge ceremony at the centre, the wife of the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Chikwelu thanked God for using Chief Mrs. Obiano to save most of the mentally challenged inmates who were being treated at the centre.
Dr. Chikwelu who noted that the event was a happy occasion, apologized for the absence of the Wife of the Governor but explained that she had sent her good wishes to the inmates especially those going home.
According to her, “God is doing great things in our state through the humane leadership approach of our Governor and his supportive wife, Ebelechukwu. It is a fact that most of you are from outside Anambra and now that you are well again, you can go back and live normal life thankful to God that you were cared for in Anambra State.”
She also thanked the staff of the Centre for their dedication to duty and care for the inmates and urged them to keep up the good work because God would equally reward them.
Earlier in his Sermon during the Mass, Reverend Father John Manafa described Trinity as a mystery and love of God and maintained that through Jesus Christ the inmates were receiving their healings.
He advised them to always keep the laws of God so as to continue to enjoy His grace and charged them to avoid abuse of substances and intake of hard drugs that may endanger their health but rather sustain their new health by always taking their medications.
Rev. Father Manafa thanked Governor Willie Obiano for the support and belief in the capacity of his wife to establish and run the centre, supported by the Ministry, the medical team and other staff who had made it possible for the twenty-seven inmates to return to good health and prayed to God to continue to bless them.
Speaking on behalf of the discharged persons, Mr. Friday Rufus from Oyo State who was overwhelmed by emotion thanked the Governor’s wife for caring for them like their mother and prayed for God to bless and protect her and her family.
On his part, a former Youth Corper, Mr. Augustine Kula, who rescued and brought a mentally sick man to the centre where he is still receiving treatment said he learnt of the Nteje Home run by the wife of the Governor and being motivated by God had to bring the man to the centre.
He advised people to emulate the selfless service of the wife of the Governor and her team, stressing that it is good to help others.
Photo Caption:
Pix1: Hon Commissioner for Social Welfare, Women and Children, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Chikwelu and Reverend Fr. John Manafa and others in a group photographs with the discharged inmates from Home for Mentally Challenged Nteje.
Pix2: Reverend Fr. John Manafa celebrating Mass for the discharged inmates at the Home for Mentally Challenged Nteje.
Pix3: Cross-section of the twenty-Seven discharged inmates from Home for Mentally Challenged Nteje.
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