The wife of the Chairman of the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area in Enugu State, Mrs. Onyinye Obeagu, has inaugurated a 55-member monitoring team dedicated to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) across the 11 wards of the LGA.
Mrs Obeagu has urged collective action against this pressing issue within communities and villages throughout the area.
She made her appeal during the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held at the local government headquarters in Ikem.
The monitoring team consists of five women from each of the 11 wards, who will serve as whistleblowers and mediators in their communities.
“We are action-driven; we don’t want merely to talk about this issue. This initiative is in line with the resolve of Her Excellency, the Governor’s wife, who aims to eradicate this menace and has also launched the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence across Enugu State.
“These monitors will ensure that perpetrators of GBV do not escape accountability. They will report incidents to the council, which will escalate the issues to the relevant agencies. We will also provide training on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, so they can comprehend the legal frameworks and implications surrounding gender-based violence,” she stated.
Obeagu emphasised that GBV, which includes rape, denial of rights, and forced marriage, not only inflicts harm on individuals but also erodes the very fabric of society. She called on all stakeholders—traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious heads—to take a decisive stand against GBV.
“This fight against gender-based violence is not the responsibility of one person; it is a collective endeavour. Church leaders, community leaders, and society as a whole must unite to say no to this issue. Only then can we cultivate a society in which everyone can thrive,” she insisted.
Dr Uzor Okenwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor’s Wife on Gender Matters, reiterated the wide-ranging nature of GBV, clarifying that it impacts not only women but also men and children.
“When we discuss gender-based violence, we are not focusing solely on women; it can involve men, women, or children. Taking advantage of someone through abuse, physical violence, rape, or denial of rights constitutes GBV. This monitoring initiative is crucial because it ensures that perpetrators will no longer go unpunished. Denying someone education or shelter also falls under GBV, and we must put an end to it,” she cautioned.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government, Barr. Obiora Obeagu, commended the initiative, recognising the contributions of the Enugu State First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, and Governor Peter Mbah in fostering positive change statewide.
“I wish to express my gratitude to Her Excellency’s team. I have witnessed their efforts as they engage with various local governments to protect fundamental rights and enhance our communities. I have also observed how the First Lady’s Office, along with the Governor and the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, are actively addressing child and women abuse. Several offenders have been charged in court. She is an effective First Lady, and I will continue to support her advocacy for the rights of women, girls, and all members of society.”
The traditional ruler of Ikem and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Isi-Uzo, Igwe Okey Ogbodo, welcomed the initiative as a significant step forward.
“I am pleased with this development, as gender-based violence has been a longstanding concern. We, traditional rulers, have participated in workshops aimed at understanding and combatting these issues, such as domestic violence, rape, and more.
“Such acts lead to broken homes, and we must eradicate them from our society. We will collaborate with the governor’s wife and the chairman’s wife to ensure this programme reaches every community,” he asserted.
