The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and welfare of children as the minor, Paul Blessed, who her father allegedly assaulted her with a pressing iron over bedwetting, is to undergo a second surgery involving skin grafting at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo.
The Ondo State Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, disclosed this during a follow-up visit to the hospital to assess the child’s recovery after her first surgery.
The Commissioner, who led a delegation of the Ministry, personally interfaced with the minor and her caregivers to ascertain her condition and monitor her healing process.
According to the Commissioner, Paul Blessed suffered severe injuries after her father allegedly used a pressing iron on her private part as punishment for bedwetting.
Following the incident, the State Government intervened to ensure that the child received appropriate medical care and other necessary support.
Dr Osamaye commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his proactive intervention and sustained interest in the welfare of the child, stressing that the Governor's administration would continue to prioritise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children across the state.
She further appreciated the management and medical team of FMC Owo for their prompt intervention, professional care and commitment to the child's fecovery. She was received by the hospital management, including the CMD, Dr. Aiyeyemi, Acting Head of Service, Dr. Akinkunmi, Assistant Director in charge of the ward, Mrs. Bamikole, Dr. Ufuoma Oluomachi, and Dr. Oluremi, the consulting physician and surgeon who performed the first operation.
The medical team informed the Commissioner that the child would require another skin-grafting surgery as part of the continuing treatment. Dr. Aiyeyemi, while appreciating the Government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to deliver effectively, noted that maintaining professional standards remains a culture at the facility. He also recommended that the child’s parents receive appropriate psychotherapy attention.
The Chief Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr Aiyeyemi also appreciated the State Government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He also recommended appropriate psychotherapy for the child's parents, noting the importance of psychosocial support in addressing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He informed the Commissioner during the visit that the minor would require another skin-grafting procedure as part of her continuing treatment and recovery.