Cross River Gov't Advances Efforts to Rehabilitate Homeless Children in Calabar

By Ebi COLLINS 

The Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the issue of homeless children, commonly referred to as Skolombo, in Calabar through a structured rehabilitation initiative spearheaded by the Office of the Wife of the Governor.

Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq., disclosed that a comprehensive proposal is in place to reintegrate these children into society through sports and vocational training programmes.

He highlighted ongoing collaborations with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the Office of Gender Mainstreaming, aimed at creating a database of homeless individuals and implementing targeted intervention strategies.

Akiba expressed concern over the increasing involvement of these children in criminal activities and vandalism, noting that many lack identifiable family ties within Cross River State.

Reassuring the public, he called for patience and support, emphasizing that the government is making measurable progress in tackling homelessness in Calabar while simultaneously addressing broader developmental challenges.