Rehabilitation Homes and Centres have a long history, going back to the ancient times when communities provided care for people with illnesses or impairments. In Igbo culture and tradition, people who have overcome terminal or communicable diseases or were formerly mentally challenged are accepted and reintegrated back into society. The spirits of _Etu Nwanne Adi Na_ and _Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya_ are to blame for this. But as society developed, colonial authorities established unique residences or facilities for these people, partly as a result of their marginalisation and shame.
Rehabilitating Homes and centres have a long history dating back to the days when communities cared for those with disabilities or illnesses. People who have recovered from infectious or fatal illnesses, or who were formerly mentally challenged, are welcomed and reintegrated back into society in Igbo culture and tradition. This is the fault of the spirits of _Etu Nwanne Adi Na_ and _Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya_. However, as society advanced and in part due to their marginalisation and humiliation, colonial authorities built special homes or facilities for these people.
The Federal Government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari founded the National Rehabilitation Centre in Emene, Enugu State, in 1980. It is a government-run facility devoted to provide rehabilitation treatments to people with physical disabilities. It provides a variety of services, including as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and vocational training, to assist those with disabilities in regaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life. Through the provision of specialised care and assistance to those facing problems resulting from impairments, the Centre plays a crucial role in the local community. It also acts as a focal point for campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and social inclusion of those with disabilities.
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Following a successful takeover in 1999, the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development of the Enugu State Government is currently in charge of the Centre, which is now known as the Welfare Home, following years of abandonment and neglect. Nevertheless, a visit to the Centre begs the question, “Does humanity inhabit the Centre?” as it leaves much to be desired. Is it possible for someone to get real rehabilitation at the Centre? Do the convicts’ places of origin and the Centre differ from one another? The extent of the Center’s infrastructural degradation and the lack of essential social amenities for its efficient operation are only perceived, not actually experienced. However, that is the Center’s lot.
In light of this, the National Association of Seadogs, also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu section, would want to use this platform to inform the State Government of the predicament facing the Centre and its residents. We especially thank the State’s Governor, Barr Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his initiative in keeping his campaign pledges to the populace. Among other people-oriented actions, he swiftly completed the water project in 180 days, constructed numerous roads throughout the State to facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying goods and services, built modern Smart Schools complete with staff quarters, Type 2 Hospitals with staff quarters, is currently rebuilding the long-abandoned International Conference Centre, and promptly paid workers’ salaries.
We acknowledge that funding is scarce in the face of rising macroeconomic demands, but we implore the Governor and Government to give the Centre top priority. The idea that a society is assessed based on how it handles its most vulnerable members and those with disabilities should nag His Excellency.
As an Association that stands up for the silent and defends the weak, we shall do what little we can. To the extent that we are able, we will help by contributing some of the recurring materials.
