Since its establishment in 2007, the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has been a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable members of society. With a clear mission to provide social and rehabilitative services that enhance the physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being of disadvantaged individuals, the ministry has made remarkable progress over the years.
Under the dynamic leadership of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the ministry has received unwavering support and direction. The Fubara administration has placed the welfare of vulnerable populations at the forefront of its agenda, reflecting a strong commitment to building a compassionate and inclusive society.
This visionary leadership has empowered the ministry to implement impactful programs and initiatives that have transformed countless lives across the state.
Towards ensuring support for the vulnerable through strategic services, for instance, the ministry operates four specialized homes dedicated to providing care, protection, and rehabilitation.
The first is the Children’s Home in Borokiri, Port Harcourt Local Government Area (LGA). This facility offers shelter, nutrition, healthcare, and educational support for vulnerable children, including orphans and abandoned minors, helping them secure a brighter and more promising future.
The second is the Remand Home, also in Borokiri, which is designed for children in conflict with the law, or those requiring temporary care and protection.
This home provides counseling, education, and vocational training to help these children reintegrate successfully into society.
The Safe Home and Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), still in Borokiri, is the third, serves as a refuge for women and children who have experienced trauma or abuse.
Through the integrated SARC, survivors receive comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and legal support to aid their recovery and empower them to rebuild their lives.
Coming at the rear is the Rehabilitation Centre in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor LGA. This centre provides specialized counseling, vocational training, and life skills development for individuals, particularly those facing mental health challenges, with support, while they reintegrate into society.
Partnerships and Capacity Building
In collaboration with UNICEF, the ministry recently conducted a specialized training on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), equipped 30 community facilitators across four LGAs — Abua/Odual, Emohua, Ahoada East, and Ahoada West — where FGM prevalence remains high. The initiative empowers local facilitators to raise awareness and advocate against this harmful practice within their communities.
The ministry has also partnered with ActionAid, with funding from the Ford Foundation, to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Rivers State.
One major outcome of this partnership is the establishment of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on GBV, which brings together representatives from traditional institutions, security agencies, religious bodies, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the media, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
To amplify public awareness, a GBV media campaign was launched, alongside a town hall meeting in Abua/Odual LGA to sensitize communities about the dangers and consequences of GBV.
Meanwhile, plans are underway to extend these sensitizational programs to other rural areas across the state, leveraging the influence of traditional rulers and women leaders to strengthen grassroots advocacy.
Child Rights Protection
The Ministry, working with the Child Protection Network (CPN) and SOS Children’s Villages, has developed the first-ever Alternative Childcare Guidelines for Rivers State. This framework, which amounts to a landmark initiative, aims to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while setting standards for both governmental and non-governmental childcare providers to ensure quality service delivery.
With the recent assumption of duty by the Ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, the Ministry looks set to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, recognizing that effective social welfare requires collective action.
The Ministry, therefore, calls for increased funding, stronger partnerships, and community engagement to sustain and expand its programs.
According to the Permanent Secretary, “Government alone cannot meet all the social welfare needs of the state.”
For this reason, she said, “the ministry appeals to multinational companies, philanthropists, and development partners to support its initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
“Together, through shared responsibility and compassion, Rivers State can continue to uplift vulnerable populations, especially children, women, and persons with special needs, and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”