By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Cross River state government has vowed to address the persistent challenge of homeless children, commonly referred to as Skolombo, in Calabar.
This will be achieved and through a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative championed by the Office of the Wife of the governor.
The Special Adviser to the governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq., disclosed this while briefing newsmen recently.
According to him, “a strategic proposal has been developed to facilitate the reintegration of these vulnerable children into society through structured sports and vocational training programmes”.
He further underscored the state’s collaborative efforts with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the Office of Gender Mainstreaming, aimed at establishing a robust database of homeless individuals to ensure the effective deployment of intervention measures.
Expressing deep concern over the increasing involvement of these children in criminal activities and acts of vandalism, Akiba noted that a significant number lack verifiable family ties within Cross River State, exacerbating the complexity of the issue.
Reassuring the public, he urged patience and collective support, emphasizing that the government remains resolute in its mission to systematically eradicate street homelessness in Calabar, while simultaneously advancing broader developmental initiatives to foster sustainable progress across the state.
