A major public awareness campaign against child abuse gained fresh momentum in Imo State on Saturday as the Stand For Humanity Foundation led a colourful rally and road walk through the streets of Owerri.
Hundreds of participants, including lawyers, medical professionals, students, artisans, business owners, and children, converged at the Dan Anyiam Stadium before marching through major streets of the state capital to sensitise residents on the dangers of child abuse and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
Founder of the foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the intensified campaign was driven by the rising number of child abuse cases the organisation has been handling. He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups, and the public to prevent abuse and ensure swift justice for victims.
Okeoma announced partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Imo State Police Command, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Imo State chapter, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, and the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Affairs to the Governor.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, represented by Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye, commended the foundation’s efforts and pledged the command’s sustained support in tackling child abuse cases.
Vice Chairman of the NBA Owerri Branch and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee, Ekezie Onumajulu, assured the association’s continued collaboration to promote children’s rights and prosecute offenders.
Chairman of the NMA in the state, Dr. Bartholomew Echeta, also pledged support, while Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Uche Ewelike, revealed that the agency has been providing free medical services to child abuse victims referred by the foundation.
A consultant paediatrician at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Dr. Emeka Nwolisa, described child abuse as a gross violation of children’s rights and stressed the need for greater public awareness and preventive strategies.
Nollywood actor Osinachi Dike (popularly known as Apama) urged residents to back initiatives aimed at eradicating the scourge, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Eric Uwakwe, described the campaign as timely. Former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Ugonna Ozurigbo, also pledged his support.
The rally featured extensive public enlightenment sessions on identifying signs of child abuse, reporting suspected cases, and promoting overall child welfare.
The event underscores growing multi-stakeholder commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children in Imo State.
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