A minor, Paul Blessed, who was allegedly abused by her father with a pressing iron over bedwetting, is set to undergo a second surgery involving skin grafting at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, as part of efforts to restore her health.
The development was disclosed by the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, during a follow-up visit to the hospital to assess the child’s recovery.
Osamaye, who represented Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, led a delegation of the ministry to the hospital, where she interacted with the minor and her caregivers to ascertain her condition and monitor the healing process following her first surgery.
According to the Commissioner, the child sustained severe injuries after her father allegedly used a pressing iron on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting.
She said the state government intervened following the incident to ensure that the victim received appropriate medical treatment and other necessary support.
Osamaye commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his intervention and sustained interest in the welfare of the child, stressing that his administration remained committed to protecting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children across the state.
She also appreciated the management and medical team of FMC Owo for their prompt response, professional care and commitment to the child’s recovery.
Receiving the delegation, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr Aiyeyemi, thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Aiyeyemi disclosed that the minor would require another skin-grafting procedure as part of her continuing treatment and recovery.
He also recommended appropriate psychotherapy for the child’s parents, noting that psychosocial support would be important in addressing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s determination to pursue justice for the victim, while urging members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
She assured residents that the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to take measures to protect children from violence, abuse and other forms of maltreatment.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Director of Social and Welfare Services, Mr Oyegunwa Adebayo; SPC, NWFP-SU, Dr Jumoke Bakare; Hon. Akinrogbe Omolara, former Special Assistant to the Governor; Mr Bakare Tomiwa, Zonal Welfare Officer; and Mr Akindele Ibukun, Special Assistant to the Commissioner.