The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development,in collaboration with the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has successfully reunited an elderly woman, Alhaja Folake Balogun, with her relatives through the use of technology.
On December 29, 2024, Alhaja Balogun boarded a bus from Lagos Island to Ikeja.
Upon reaching Ikeja Underbridge, fellow passengers noticed she appeared confused and was unable to communicate.
She was subsequently handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, which placed her in the Rehabilitation Centre, Owutu, for proper care.
In a concerted effort to reunite Alhaja Balogun with her family, the Ministry not only issued a “Public Notice” across various social media platforms, but also collaborated with LASRRA to capture her biometric data and reached out to NIMC for additional support.
At a ceremony held on Friday to officially hand over Alhaja Balogun to her relatives at Alausa-Ikeja, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, explained that the Ministry turned to technology as a last resort after exhausting all other options, ensuring the woman’s safe reconciliation with her family.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed compassion for the elderly woman’s condition.
She stated : “We were deeply moved by her situation and committed to going to any length to track down her relatives, regardless of the cost.
“We are grateful that our efforts have yielded positive results.”
The General Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikis Adebiyi Abiola, and the State Coordinator of NIMC, Lagos West, Mr. Lasisi Mikhail Oladele, both expressed their joy at the successful reunion.
They emphasized the importance of registration for all Lagos residents.
“We are thrilled to see Mama reunited with her family, and this partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has been invaluable
“We encourage all Lagosians to register with LASRRA and NIMC, as there are numerous benefits to being registered.
“What we witnessed today is just one of those advantages.”
Speaking on behalf of Alhaja Balogun, a relative, Mrs. Adebola Adedayo, expressed gratitude to the Ministry, LASRRA, and NIMC for their dedication.
She said that they had visited numerous locations in search of Mrs. Balogun before finally finding her.
The successful use of technology in this case highlights the critical role that digital tools can play in ensuring the welfare and safety of residents, as well as fostering community support and collaboration.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
