Bayelsa Deputy Governor Calls For Holistic Approach To Protecting Orphans, Vulnerable Children

From Mgbo Nnachi in Yenagoa

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has called for a comprehensive approach to alleviating the plight of orphans and vulnerable children in the state.

Addressing the launch of the Bayelsa State Strategic Plan for Vulnerable Children (2025-2030) on Monday, Senator Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that the fundamental human rights of these children must be protected at all times.

The strategic plan, organized by the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria (CCCRN) in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, aims to improve the lives of vulnerable children in the state.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo underscored the state government’s commitment to providing a better livelihood for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and urged the Women and Children Ministry to expand the Integrated Child Health and Social Service Award (ICHSSA 1) project to reach more people in rural areas.

He called on the CCCRN and other stakeholders to broaden the scope of vulnerability beyond HIV/AIDS-affected children, encompassing all disadvantaged orphans.

He also implored local government authorities to replicate the state government’s initiatives by developing their own strategic plans to reduce the suffering of vulnerable children.

The Deputy Governor, who was conferred with an Excellence Merit Award at the event, expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged to continue working towards improving the lives of the needy.

“We want the program sustained, not only sustained but taken to the rural areas, where over 70% of our population live and work,” he said.

The Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Deaconess Elizabeth Bidei, highlighted the impact of the ICHSSA 1 project, launched three years ago, in building the resilience of vulnerable children across the state.

The project has been implemented in all eight local government areas with support from the state government.

Dr Peter Adekoya, Chief of Party, ICHSSA 1 Project, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the project’s significant impact on 3,311 OVCs from 1,171 households through livelihood-based social protection and care programs.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, commended the Women Ministry for its achievements in caring for vulnerable children and pledged his ministry’s support in providing healthcare for these children.

The event concluded with the presentation of the Excellence Merit Award to Senator Ewhrudjakpo by the Wife of the State Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, highlighting the commitment of the state government to the well-being of vulnerable children.