LAGOS: 425 cases of abuses attended to in one year, says commissioner

*Reveals 2500 PWDs get free insurance scheme

THE state government, today, revealed that it attended to 425 cases of abuses among the youth in the last one year.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu, speaking at the 2021 ministerial press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Sanwo-Olu, said 63 physical abuses cases; 34 sexual abuse, five defilement; two emotional abuse; 20 child neglect; 60 abandonment; 21 lost but found children; four child labour and 125 children in government homes and approved private homes.

The commissioner also revealed that 26 students were caught in the act of cultism while 52 drug abuse cases in schools recorded while nine cases were recorded  with children that are in conflict with the law such as stealing, robbery, hooliganism, rape among others.

He said the governor in his magnanimity granted issuance of free health insurance policy to 2500 disabled people, which means the lucky indigent Persons With Disabilities will access the N40,000 a year health insurance scheme free of charge to care for their specific health challenges.

As part of mechanism to have a decent city, 223 children were rescued in the state in the last two years.

This figure represents 170 boys and 53 girls that were rescued in the state, stating that rescue operation addressed the issues of begging and destitution.

 He nonetheless said the rescued children have been restored to their families after undergoing vocational trainings.

A total number of 3,041 beggars/destitute/ mentally challenged people and street children were rescued off the streets of Lagos.

Dawodu stated, “A total number of 1,408 rehabilitatees were released to their family for re-integration. During special operation, a total of 223 street children rescued; 170 boys and 53 girls.

  “The ministry carried out its restoration services through psychological, cognitive emotional social and vocational skills and also the medical team from the ministry of health provided medication therapy management.

  “The state government has restated its commitment to addressing issues of neglect of child and ensuring proper as well as adequate maintenance in investigating cases of those who have been abused to ensure victims get justice.

 Dawodu said the mandate of the ministry is to create an enabling environment that promotes youth and social development services that give succor to the vulnerable driven by highly committed and motivated personnel. 

Dawodu said the correctional and elderly care services of the ministry are aimed at preventing relapse, rehabilitating and integrating offenders for behavioral modifications.