Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu, wife of Kebbi State Governor on Tuesday, March
15, came to the aid of 10-year-old Sidika Bako whose mother, aged 22, is
mentally challenged, following a report she received on the girl's poor
poor condition. The woman's husband who also resides in Birnin Kebbi
reportedly abandoned them after she developed mental illness. Below is
the report by Sabatu A. Yakubu & Haruna A. Atiku ...
"Improving social well-being of the general public, including physically
and mentally challenged persons is one of the key social services
expected of a well-meaning government.
Kebbi State Government has been working seriously on putting a system in
place which will put to an end the menace of drug abuse, reducing the
burden of mentally retarded or challenged persons and improved health
services through various interventions, including rehabilitating and
providing psychosocial support services in social rehabilitation
centres, improving educational systems, upgrading educational
institutions, supporting and equipping hospitals, among others.
The Wife of the Kebbi State Governor on Tuesday 15th of March 2016 has
extended such social support to a young girl and her mentally challenged
mother.
Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu came to their aid following a report she received
on the condition of both Sidika Bako aged 10 years and the mother aged
22 years. It is believed that the father of the girl also reside in
Birnin Kebbi, but abandoned them following the mental illness developed
by the mother.
What caught the attention of the Government House Housekeeper, Hajiya
Hajara Nagode was the mothers persistent backing of the 10 year old
girl, which is weird. She immediately informed the Governors wife of the
situation, who immediately came to their rescue.
It was gathered that the both mother and the girl were residing in the
mothers family house along with her brother in Birnin Kebbi, but medical
attention could not be sought for her due to financial challenge. They
usually go out in search of alms and even trek from Birnin Kebbi to
Sokoto, but it was learnt that they always sleep at home.
Dr Bagudu immediately directed that the girl be taken to a safer
residence in Birnin Kebbi, and has taken full responsibility of young
Sidika’s education. Infact, enrolment of the girl into school has
already started.
The Governor’s Wife further ordered for providing immediate medical
attention to the mother, and has also taken full responsibility of the
medical bills. The woman is presently in Physiatric and Rehabilitation
Center, Jega LGA of the State.
The hospital officials disclosed that the woman is responding well to
treatment and may likely be back to her senses in about six weeks."
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