… to establish community vigilance C’tee
In a resolute response to the clarion call made by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Amb. Glory Ekah Effiong, has taken a firm stance against the abuse of Girl Children within the area.
During a meeting with stakeholders and security chiefs, Amb. Ekah emphasized the urgent necessity for actionable measures towards enforcing the rights of the Girl Child, re-echoing Lady Obareki’s assertion that advocacy alone has become insufficient in combating the pervasive issues of Girl Child exploitation and abuse.
Lady Helen Obareki’s remarks, delivered recently at the Sam Momah Annual Lecture and the commissioning of a Reading Room and Conference Centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, highlighted the urgent need to transition Girl Child’s Rights abuse from mere discussions to tangible actions that will protect and empower the Girl Child.
According to Lady Obareki,
“Investing in the Girl Child is not charity; it is a sustainable strategy for peace, progress, and prosperity.”
She, however, underscored the importance of collective efforts in line with local and international legal instruments in ensuring the rights of Girls’ Child are upheld.
In alignment with the First Lady’s directives, Dcns (Mrs) Glory Ekah has outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the alarming rates of Girl Child’s right violation within Ibeno environ.
She further called for the establishment of Community Vigilance Committees, whose aim is to monitor and report incidents of child abuse, hence fostering a culture of accountability. She urged community leaders and members to take an active role in safeguarding the rights of their daughters.
The council boss, however, announced initiatives aimed at collaborating with NGOs and relevant stakeholders within the legal business in providing moral, legal, and educational programs as well as vocational training specifically tailored for Girl Children. According to her, the programs shall aim towards empowering young women with skills and requisite knowledge, while enabling them to break free from stereotypes, poverty, and exploitation.
Furthermore, Ekah pledged to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. She acknowledged the importance of enforcing existing laws, such as various Child’s Rights Legislations, aimed at protecting children from abuse and undue exploitation.
“We will not tolerate any form of abuse against our girls; justice must be served,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to creating a safer community.
The meeting, which also featured poignant testimonies from survivors of abuse, shared their experiences and challenges so faced in overcoming societal barriers. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action and support systems for victims.
Hon. Ekah vowed to establish counseling and rehabilitation services to aid survivors in their recovery and reintegration into society. She reiterated the importance of community involvement in the fight against child’s rights abuse.
“Let us unite as a community to protect our girls and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve,” she urged with renewed determination.
Ibeno Local Government Area is poised to take significant strides toward enforcing the rights of the Girl Child, transforming Lady Obareki’s advocacy into meaningful action that will resonate throughout the community.
