The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to child protection as Paul Blessed, a minor allegedly assaulted with a pressing iron by her father over bedwetting, prepares for a second skin-grafting surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo.
The Governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, during a follow-up visit to the hospital on Monday to assess the child’s recovery.
Dr. Osamaye said the state government intervened immediately after the incident to ensure the child received urgent medical care and psychosocial support.
According to her, the minor sustained severe injuries after her father allegedly used a pressing iron on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting.
The Commissioner commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive response and sustained interest in the case, adding that the administration would continue to prioritize 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 and professional care.
The Chief Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr. Aiyeyemi, who received the Commissioner, informed her that the child had undergone a first surgery and would require a second skin-grafting procedure as part of her continuing treatment.
Dr. Aiyeyemi, alongside the Acting Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Akinkunmi, Assistant Director of the ward, Mrs. Bamikole, and the consulting surgeon, Dr. Oluremi, assured that the hospital would maintain professional standards in the child’s care.
The CMD also recommended that the child’s parents receive appropriate psychotherapy, stressing the need for psychosocial support to address the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dr. Osamaye, accompanied by the Director of Social and Welfare Services, Mr. Oyegunwa Adebayo; State Programme Coordinator, NWFP-SU, Dr. Jumoke Bakare; and other ministry officials, reiterated the government’s determination to pursue justice for the victim.
She urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse to relevant authorities without delay.
“The Aiyedatiwa administration will not tolerate violence against children. We will continue to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book while victims receive the care and protection they deserve,” she said.
The Commissioner noted that the case highlights the need for increased public awareness on positive parenting and the dangers of harmful traditional practices.
The visit underscores the Ondo State Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse and its collaboration with health institutions to provide comprehensive care for survivors.
