WORLD LEPROSY DAY: Office of the First lady Identifies with Inmates of Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre

WORLD LEPROSY DAY: office of the First lady Identifies with Inmates of Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre

… Distributes Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) food items

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

In commemoration of the World Leprosy Day in Edo State, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani on Monday, visited the inmates of Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre in Ossiomo-Ogan, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

World Leprosy Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of January, The Day is meant to raise awareness about leprosy, a neglected tropical disease and to inspire the global community to unite to eliminate it. 2025 Theme: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy.”

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady was ably represented by Pastor Mrs. Obetoh Mabel, who presented the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) food items to the inmates said, As we observe World Leprosy Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to this year’s theme. Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy.

Leprosy is a disease that has plagued many for centuries and it often brings with it not just physical challenges, but social stigma and isolation.

We are here today, to stand together and break these barriers and extend our hands in support and kindness to our fellow citizens who are coping with the effects of this illness,”

She further stated, this day was set aside not only to raise awareness about leprosy but to also celebrate the resilience and dignity of those affected by the disease.

In his remarks, Mr. Iria Karim, the coordinator of the Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre expressed heartfelt appreciation for the kind gesture of the Office of the First Lady.

He thanked her for remembering the inmates and offered prayers for His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State.

The Acting Chairman of the leprosy Centre, Mr. Isicheri Olata, also commended the governor, saying, “We applaud His Excellency for these food items. We hear a lot about him on the radio and are proud of him. We wish him a successful tenure.”

As a way of celebrating the day with the inmates, the First Lady office donated bags of rice, garri, gallons of groundnut oil, cartoons of Spaghetti, cartoons of Indo-mie, bags of semovita and wheat and medical supplies to the inmates.

In a related engagement, Pastor (Mrs.) Obetoh Mabel also visited the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Uselu, Benin City, where she presented the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) food items to the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Owie Osaretin, for onward distribution to the hospital management.