After hearing about the incident with Miss Marvellous Uchechi Ezike, the 14-year-old native of Orodo, Mbaitoli, Imo State who was abused by her guardian, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, the Honourable Commissioner Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu @hon_nkechinyereugwu and I visited her to see how she was faring.

I met with her mother who hawks groundnuts among other menial jobs to make ends meet and listened to their story. The Imo State House of Assembly Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie who was also present during the visitation offered to pay her hospital bills. I sympathized with them, offered to pay Marvellous school fees and establish a trade for her mother to ensure financial stability for the family.

It was devastating to listen to the pain and suffering she endure, especially at such a young age. This incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable children, highlight the importance of advocating for their safety and seek justice for those who have been harmed. As she continues to receive care, I hope she heals both physically and emotionally.

Thereafter, I took my time to visit other patients in the children's ward, wished them quick recovery and assisted with their hospital bills.

#chiomauzodimma #heimostory

H.E. Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation.