The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has pledged to review new proposals from the University of Port Harcourt aimed at strengthening social work practice and improving services for vulnerable persons across the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Dimpka, made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from UNIPORT’s Department of Social Work and Community Development, led by Prof. Daniel Uranta and accompanied by some of his PhD students
Dimpka welcomed the proposals, describing them as an opportunity to raise professional standards within the ministry.
“Our staff must be equipped with current knowledge and practices, and we will give serious attention to the recommendations,” she said.
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The university’s submission covered four areas, refresher training for ministry staff, a one‑month certificate programme in social work, creation of a statewide database of vulnerable persons across all 23 local government areas, and reinforcement of the Child Rights Implementation and Enforcement Committee.
Speaking during the visit, Uranta highlighted the importance of building stronger institutional ties. He explained that the proposals were designed to improve case management and ensure faster welfare response across the state.
Dimpka added that the ministry is open to partnerships that can deliver measurable results. “With collective effort, social work can achieve greater impact and professionalism in Rivers State,” she noted.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions, with the ministry expected to review the proposals and identify practical steps for implementation in the months ahead.
Patience Ikuomola
