By Peace Temisan Osemwegie
The Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues through the Rehabilitation Services Department, recently embarked on an exercise to ameliorate the conditions of persons who are mentally disturbed and roaming the Benin City metropolis.
Commenting on the Exercise, the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Mr. Sylvester Okeguale, stated that the exercise was aimed at addressing the needs of destitutes and mentally challenged persons in the society.
Okeguale disclosed that such challenged persons would be taken to mental health facilities at the expense of the State Government, urging the public to empathize with persons with mental health challenges by showing them care and approaching mental health practitioners, who could help to permanently treat such conditions, or at least, ameliorate their sufferings.
The operation, which took place on Airport Road and Ring Road axes, was a challenging task, as some of the mentally challenged persons resisted to be helped. A total of five mentally challenged persons were however successfully taken out of the street and enrolled for treatment.
Residents in the area commended the State Government for taking decisive action on getting mentally challenged persons out of the street for help, stating that the exercise would complement other efforts aimed at improving the beauty and ambience of the city center.
The initiative demonstrates the State Government’s commitment in addressing social issues and ensuring the well-being of all residents, including the vulnerable and the mentally challenged.
