Nwifuru’s Wife seeks Community-Based Child Protection Structures to End Violence
By Judith Eze
The First Lady of Ebonyi state, Mrs Mary-maudlin Uzoamaka Nwifuru has harped on the need to put in place community-based child protection structures across the 13 local government areas aimed at ending all forms of violence against Ebonyi Children.
Mrs Nwifuru said that this approach will better prevent and aid quick response to abuse and exploitation affecting children in the state.
She stated this during the official flag-off of end Violence Against Children through community-based Child protection structures in Ebonyi State, held on Friday 15th December 2023, at the International Conference Center, ICC, Abakaliki.
The Governor’s wife charged the council chairmen, Chairpersons and stakeholders of the LGAs to hold the programme with a touch of purpose and ensure it reaches all the localities in the state.
The program was organized by the office of the governor’s wife in collaboration with the ministry of women affairs and state development, and the Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and the Internally Displaced Foundation, BERWO and the United Nations Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF.
Mrs Nwifuru said her foundation, BERWO, is a solid action plan in child protection and welfare across communities and called for the full protection, well-being and better lives of children and women, while applauded UNICEF for their interventions in the state.
She said : “I very highly appreciate development partner, UNICEF for their committed efforts over the decades in reshaping the future of our children, your technical and financial guidance have been justified in the numerous interventions across our communities.
“Thank you for the expansion of these community based structures in ending violence against children from 8 Local Government Areas to 13 Local Government Areas.” She stated.
In her opening remark, the Commissioner for Women affairs and State Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma, said the flag-off campaign to end violence against children through community- based structures would ensure the protection, well-being and development of our children.
Nwankpuma expressed confidence of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru support towards a proactive synergy with UNICEF in creating an enabling environment for Ebonyi children to thrive and compete with their counterparts across the nation and the globe.
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Child Protection Chief, Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, reaffirmed UNICEF support and commitment to key priorities concerning the children in the state.
Sesay commended the commitment of Ebonyi state in the program stressing that it will boost the sustainability of the community structures.
He called for the enforcement of the child protection and violence against persons (VAP) laws, adding that the program existence should be taken further to include community actors and agents who are closer to families and children.
According to him; “We want to see that Ebonyi state will be the model across the 36 states in the federation including the FCT. Being the first state to be committed for the establishment of community based child protection structures.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Antorney General of the state, Ben odoh, expressed commitment of the Ministry of Justice Gender Based Department in persecuting offenders of violence against children.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina ogbodo stressed that the police has began the enforcement of the violations issues against children and is working to bring it to a barest minimum in the state.
In her remark, wife of the Chief of Staff, Nkechi Echiegu of the social works unit EBSU, urged traditional rulers to bring back the respect and discipline that existed in the communities.
On his part, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Uche Igwe, assured the commitment of his ministry to spread the word across the LGAs.
Wife of the ALGON chairman, Elizabeth ogodo-Ali maintained that all Chairpersons will throw their support behind the project to ensure that it is successful
Hrh Eze Charles Azuenya, affirmed that the council of traditional rulers in the state will carry out the exercise to the letter.
