The St. Vincent De Paul Home for Children with Special Needs in Umuahia, Abia State, has issued a heartfelt plea to Governor Alex Otti, urging immediate government intervention to address the worsening condition of the facility and its surrounding infrastructure.
Rev. Sister Gertrude Ukanwoke, who oversees the home, made the appeal during a visit by members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Abia State chapter, led by Chairperson Mrs. Josephine Ogwo. The visit formed part of activities to mark the association’s 34th anniversary.
Sister Ukanwoke described the state of the centre as desperate, painting a bleak picture of an institution stretched beyond its limits, struggling with inadequate infrastructure, food shortages, and severe overcrowding. “Our road is practically unusable. The buildings are deteriorating, and we no longer have the capacity to admit new children,” she said with visible emotion.
The home, which was founded more than 20 years ago by the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, provides care for children living with mental and physical disabilities. However, the worsening economic climate and dwindling support have pushed it to the brink.
“Some of our children were abandoned, others orphaned. They depend on this place for survival, but the challenges we face are overwhelming. A single bag of rice doesn’t even last for two meals,” she explained.
Calling for broader support, she appealed not only to the state government but also to private individuals, NGOs, and companies to contribute to the centre’s survival. “This is not just a charity case it’s about fairness and justice for these children. They deserve a chance at life like everyone else,” she stressed.
The NAWOJ delegation pledged to take the children’s plight beyond the centre’s walls. Mrs. Ogwo, in her remarks, assured that the association would continue to advocate for meaningful action.
“These children must not be forgotten. What we have seen today cannot be ignored, and we will use our voices and platforms to push for real change,” she declared.
The home is now calling for the construction of new facilities to expand its capacity and improve the living conditions of its residents. With its current resources stretched thin and the children in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical attention, Sister Ukanwoke said the home’s survival depends on swift, coordinated intervention.
