The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, has commended the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba (KSM), Stella Maris Sub-Council, for donating recreational and welfare items to the State Reha

he Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, has commended the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba (KSM), Stella Maris Sub-Council, for donating recreational and welfare items to the State Rehabilitation Centre, Iriebe, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The donation is aimed at enhancing the leisure, welfare, and therapeutic activities of residents at the Centre. Items presented included two table tennis boards, solar lights to illuminate the premises, nightwear, bathroom slippers, sanitary pads, detergents, bar soaps, and clothing for both male and female residents. Speaking during the commissioning and handover ceremony on Saturday, Davies-Dimkpa described the gesture as “compassion in action” and a demonstration of KSM’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in Rivers State. She noted that the recreational facilities would promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of residents by creating opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and personal development. The Permanent Secretary expressed appreciation to the organisation for complementing the Rivers State Government’s efforts to provide quality care and rehabilitation services. She also called on faith-based organisations, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to emulate KSM by supporting institutions that cater to vulnerable groups across the state. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the Project Coordinator, KSM, Sir Kingsley Omo-Ojie, said the donation formed part of KSM’s commitment to giving back to society and supporting institutions dedicated to care, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He encouraged the residents to remain disciplined, avoid violence, drug abuse, and other harmful behaviours, and make positive choices that would support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Sir Omo-Ojie also pledged KSM’s readiness to provide additional solar lighting to ensure the Centre remains adequately illuminated at night. In his response, the Director of Rehabilitation in the Ministry, Alexander Otomo, on behalf of the management and residents, expressed gratitude to KSM for what he described as “a generous donation.” He assured the donors that the items would be put to good use and stated that they would improve the comfort of residents while encouraging them to remain committed to their rehabilitation. To officially inaugurate the recreational facility, the Permanent Secretary, members of KSM, and residents participated in a friendly table tennis match, which saw the Permanent Secretary emerge victorious.