Nkanu West Local Government Area has taken a bold step in joining the fight against gender-based violence, aligning with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign with a commitment to lead the way in ending all forms of violence against women and girls in the council.
The ceremony, which was attended by prominent women leaders in the community, emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in the fight against gender-based violence. Speaking to the crowd, the Chairperson of Nkanu West Local Government Council, Mrs Ngozi Ogbodo, the wife of Nkanu West LG Chairman, expressed her deep commitment to the cause, stressing that the local government would not only participate in but take a leading role in the effort to end violence against women and girls in the council in line with the vision of wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, to liberate women from gender-based violence.
In her address, Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo highlighted the significant impact of the First Lady of the state in driving the state's commitment to ending gender-based violence. "Her Excellency, the First Lady through her office and various programs, has been educating women and girls about their rights, empowering them to report any form of abuse to the proper authorities" she said. Mrs Ogbodo praised the initiative, noting that it has already begun to change the mindset of many women in the state and encouraged them to take advantage of the resources available to them.
Mrs Ogbodo called on mothers to take an active role in protecting their daughters from abuse and violence. She urged them to make their daughters' education a priority, stressing that a good education would empower young girls to build better futures for themselves. She also advised mothers on the importance of maintaining a peaceful home, respecting their husbands, and fostering an environment that promotes unity and progress. For the young girls present at the event, Mrs. Ogbodo had a strong message: “Stay focused on your education and avoid actions that could derail your future,” she stated. She encouraged them to aspire to university education, emphasizing that it would provide more opportunities for self-reliance and personal growth.
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| Mrs Ngozi Ogbodo Chairperson Nkanu West L.G.A |
The event was graced by the Enugu State ALGON Chairperson, Mrs Rita Edeh, also spoke, urging women not to be intimidated by the fear of retribution or shame. As the Chairperson of Nkanu East Local Government Council, Mrs Rita Edeh with her wealth of knowledge, encouraged the women to report any form of violence to the local government, the state authorities, or the nearest police station to ensure that the violence was addressed properly. She added her voice to the call, taking a moment to directly address husbands and men who engage in abusive behavior. She described some men as "narcissists" who find faults in everything their wives do and use it as an excuse for maltreatment. She called on them to abandon this ugly behavior, stressing that respect and kindness should form the foundation of any healthy relationship.
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| L-R: Mrs Rita Edeh (ALGON Chairperson Enugu State/Chairperson Nkanun East L.G.A), Mrs Ngozi Ogbodo (Chairperson Nkanu West L.G.A.). |
During the event, Mrs. Kate Nnamoko, the Coordinator of the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Center in Nkanu West, reminded the women of their worth and the importance of carrying themselves with dignity. She encouraged them to dress modestly and avoid exposing themselves to risks, such as sexual violence. Mrs. Stella Ani, the Local Focal Person on Health in Nkanu West, used the occasion to raise awareness about the health of women. She encouraged all women to schedule regular medical check-ups and monitor their blood pressure to prevent health crises such as heart attacks or sudden death. She also informed the attendees about the ongoing vaccination campaign for mpox.
Earlier in the day, Prophetess Favour Nnaji delivered a powerful sermon, reminding the women of the importance of peace in their homes. She urged them to work together with their husbands to achieve success and mutual respect, emphasizing that God has made men the heads of the household.
In a memorable highlight of the event, students from Government College Agbani presented a playlet that effectively conveyed the theme "United To End Violence Against Women and Girls." The playlet depicted the story of a schoolgirl who was raped but found the courage to report the incident to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. This playlet educated the audience on the proper procedures for reporting such crimes and reinforced the importance of taking legal action against perpetrators of violence.
The event also featured a special presentation by the host, Mrs Ogbodo, who distributed wrappers and cash gifts to the women in attendance as a token of appreciation for their participation and commitment to the cause. The wife of the Nkanu West LG Deputy Chairman, Engr. Mrs. Chidimma, and the wife of the Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Uche Igwesi, were present to support Mrs. Ogbodo and ensure the success of the event.
Nkanu West Local Government Area is committed to taking an active role in ending gender-based violence and empowering women and girls to live free from fear and oppression. With the leadership of Mrs Ngozi Ogbodo as the Chairperson of the council, and the support of various stakeholders, the local government has vowed to continue its efforts in advocating for the rights of women and girls, and to serve as an example for other regions in the state to follow in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.
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