•Osamaye urges prompt reporting of child abuse as victim set for skin-grafting surgery
By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring justice for Blessed Paul, the minor allegedly tortured by her father with a pressing iron over bedwetting.
The child, who sustained severe injuries to her private parts in the incident, is receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where she is expected to undergo a second surgery involving skin grafting.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, disclosed this during a follow-up visit to the hospital to assess the minor’s recovery after her first surgery.
Osamaye, who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the visit, led a delegation of the ministry and personally interfaced with the minor and her caregivers to ascertain her condition and monitor her healing process.
According to the commissioner, Blessed Paul suffered severe injuries after her father allegedly used a pressing iron on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting.
Following the incident, the state government intervened to ensure that the child received appropriate medical care and other necessary support.
Osamaye commended Aiyedatiwa for his proactive intervention and sustained interest in the welfare of the child, stressing that the administration would continue to prioritise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children across the state.
She also appreciated the management and medical team of FMC Owo for their prompt intervention, professional care and commitment to the child’s recovery.
The commissioner was received by the hospital management, including the Chief Medical Director, Dr Aiyeyemi; Acting Head of Service, Dr Akinkunmi; Assistant Director in charge of the ward, Mrs Bamikole; Dr Ufuoma Oluomachi; and Dr Oluremi, the consulting physician and surgeon who performed the first operation.
The medical team informed Osamaye that the child would require another skin-grafting surgery as part of her continuing treatment and recovery..
The Chief Medical Director, Dr Aiyeyemi, appreciated the state government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to discharge their responsibilities effectively, noting that maintaining professional standards remained a culture at the facility.
He also recommended that the child’s parents receive appropriate psychotherapy, stressing the importance of psychosocial support in addressing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Director of Social and Welfare Services, Mr Oyegunwa Adebayo; SPC, NWFP-SU, Dr Jumoke Bakare; Mrs. Akinrogbe Omolara, former Special Assistant to the Governor; Mr Bakare Tomiwa, Zonal Welfare Officer; and Mr Akindele Ibukun, Special Assistant to the commissioner.
Osamaye reiterated the state government’s determination to pursue justice for the victim and urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
She assured that the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to protect children from violence, abuse and other forms of maltreatment.