…Approves Wage Increase, Facility Upgrade
BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Delta State Government has put smiles on the faces of Ex-Persons Affected with Leprosy (Ex- PAL) with increased monthly upkeep allowances and approval of facility renovations.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua made this revelation during a recent inspection tour of various facilities under her Ministry when she made a stopover at the Ex-PAL’s Leprosaria Settlement Centre at Eku in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
Ajudua, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas and other management staff of the ministry, also made a personal donation, while commending the Ex-PALs for maintaining a peaceful stance. She expressed gratitude to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to improving the lives of leprosy survivors in Delta State.
In her words: “in alignment with the vision of the MORE Agenda, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has endorsed an increase of the monthly upkeep stipends for the Ex-PAL community, effective May.
“Furthermore, he has approved the renovation of specific facilities within their settlement. This is to improve the quality of life and dignity of the Ex-PAL community.”
She also pledged to explore the possibility of establishing a polling unit within their settlement, a move which had been eagerly anticipated by the residents.
Responding to the gesture, the Chairman of the Leprosaria Community, Mr. Paul Oke conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, emphasizing his profound impact on the welfare of the less-privileged.
He, however, appealed to the ministry to address additional pressing concerns, including empowering their children, providing medications, dressing materials and the resolving the electricity challenge. They also called for public awareness about the curability of leprosy.
