The First Lady of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Mbah, on Saturday, flagged off the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Headquarters, Ibagwa-Aka.
The event which is part of her ongoing statewide grassroots campaign against gender-based violence is themed ‘United to end violence against women and girls’.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Empress Ugo-Ferdinand, commended the First Lady for her leadership in combating gender-based violence in the state.
She emphasized the need for community involvement, saying, “We must all recognize that violence is happening around us, and we must be proactive in addressing it. If you notice any form of abuse, do not hesitate to report it to us; we are here to support you.”
She also highlighted the importance of keeping children engaged and closely monitored during the Christmas holidays, adding, “This festive season, we must make sure our children are safe and occupied with positive activities.”
The Zonal Commander of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Persons (NAPTIP) Sam Offia who was represented by Judith Chinyere identified key drivers of gender-based violence, including child labour, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices.
She urged women to leave abusive relationships and announced plans to establish human trafficking and gender based violence vanguards in 50 schools across Enugu State.
On her part, the founder of the Girls Growth and Mentorship Initiative, Eze Nwanneka, encouraged women and girls to prioritize education and skills acquisition as pathways to empowerment and equality.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, praised the First Lady’s initiative and urged participants to reflect on the discussions and take active steps to end gender-based violence.
The event brought together hundreds of participants, including schoolgirls, young mothers, middle-aged women, elderly women, and persons with disabilities from all 16 wards of Igbo-Eze South.
One of the major highlights of the programme was a medical outreach and the distribution of sanitary pads, food items, clothing, and educational materials to students and women. This was powered by Custos Care Foundation, Brook Laurels Academy, Ugo-Ferdinand Foundation, and NAPTIP.
Key dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, Hon. Princess Chinwendu, the PDP Party Chairman of the Council, Engr. Ejike Amaedu, the Wife of the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Mrs Aka Eze Aka, the Secretary of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Zacheaus Ukwueze, the Chief of Staff to the LGA, and other stakeholders and executives from Igbo-Eze South.
Through initiatives like this, Enugu State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, is taking bold steps toward building a society where women and girls are safe, empowered, and free from violence.
The programme provided a platform to amplify calls for an end to violence against women and girls, while underscoring the need to protect them from abuse and ensure access to essential health services.
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