Inmates of the Ago Ireti Settlement in Akure, the Ondo State Capital, have cried out over continued neglect and government abandonment in the past months.
The vulnerable residents of the facility are reportedly living in deplorable conditions, made worse by the state government’s failure to pay seven months of their outstanding stipends.
Ago Ireti settlement, located in the heart of Akure, is meant to serve as a haven for those who have experienced Leprosy.
However today, it stands as a sobering reminder of what happens when society forgets its most vulnerable.
The inmates, some of whom have spent several years at the facility, now live in worsening conditions and felt abandoned not just by society, but by the state government meant to care for them.
For months, caregivers and volunteers have kept the centre running through personal sacrifices and donations from faith-based organisations and individuals. But even that support is no longer enough.
According to the Head of the Settlement, Mr Akin Solomon all efforts to reach the government proved abortive.
”The government still owes us outstanding two months’ stipends for years 2024 and by end of this month now it will make 7 months they are owing us”
”It’s the only money that supports our feeding and basic needs. We have written letters, made calls but no response.”
”We’ve done all we can, but things are getting out of hand, There is no food, no medicine in our health centre, and no financial support. The government is silent.”
The stipend, a small but vital sum allocated monthly for the upkeep of each inmate, has not been paid in about 7 months.
Effort to get the reaction of the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye was unsuccessful as she promised to get back when Roving Reporters contacted her.
Some stakeholders who spoke with Roving Reporters described as unfortunate that despite promises by the state government to take care of the inmates, Ago Ireti settlement still suffers in silence as no attention was given to them by the state government.
