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The Rivers State Government is weighing a proposed partnership with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) aimed at improving social welfare delivery across the state.
The Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation disclosed that it would give due consideration to proposals presented by the university, including staff refresher training and the development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, made this known on Thursday while receiving a delegation from UNIPORT, led by Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, during a courtesy visit to her office.
Describing the visit as timely, Davies-Dimpka said, “It is important to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice.”
She assured the delegation that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for ministry staff and the establishment of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.
“The ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership. With collective effort, social work practice can achieve greater impact and professionalism in Rivers State,” she added.
Earlier, Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and explore ways to strengthen existing collaboration between the university and the ministry.
He outlined four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for staff, a one-month certificate programme in social work, the creation of a comprehensive database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas, and strengthening of the Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to improve case management and enhance welfare response mechanisms across the state.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing readiness to review the proposals and deepen collaboration.
