Okeke Urges Sexual Abuse Victims To Speak Up

• Holds GBV Advocacy Program for Idemili North Students

By Uzo Ugwunze

A Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocacy program focusing on health and menstrual hygiene, organised for students in the Idemili North Council Area, proved to be impactful and enriching.

Dr Hilary Nkem Okeke, Supervisory Councillor for Health in Idemili North and Chairman of all Supervisors for Health in Anambra State, a public health specialist and enthusiast, urged victims of GBV to speak out and expose pedophiles and other perpetrators.

Students from at least ten secondary schools, along with students from the Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences, gathered at the INLGA Secretariat in Ogidi to hear lectures from Dr Ofojebe Binyelum, a Consultant Paediatrician at NAUTH (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital).

Dr Binyelum spoke on the importance of “Promoting healthier families and safer communities by creating awareness of GBV and domestic violence.”

Dr Okeke stated that the initiative addresses a critical issue: “Gender-based violence remains a pressing challenge in our society, threatening not only individual safety but also undermining collective progress.

“As we deliberate today, let us remember that true development cannot thrive in the absence of equality, respect, and justice.”

He continued, “Equally important is menstrual hygiene, which for too long has been shrouded in stigma, silence, and neglect. Good menstrual health is a right, not a privilege.

“It is linked to dignity, education, and overall well-being. By addressing this openly, we empower our young girls to live healthier, more confident lives and ensure that no child is held back from school or opportunity because of a natural biological process.”

“I encourage students to speak up whenever they experience any form of GBV. Do not suffer in silence, regardless of any threats. Parents should also report such cases and not be dissuaded by societal stigma.”

“We have a high level of awareness already in Idemili North, and our response team is extending its reach beyond the LGA. We are working towards establishing distress call lines, but the doors of INLGA are always open. I am also accessible, and the police are available for people to report incidents.”

Okeke concluded, “Permit me to acknowledge the presence of our host, the Mayor, Hon. Sir Stanley Nkwoka Ochendo Idemili, whose unwavering leadership continues to inspire grassroots development in our LGA.”

Attendees included Deputy Mayor Lady Phina Onwuachu, INLGA Secretary Hon. Paul Chidubem Okoye, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of all APGA LG Chairmen Sir Okwy Maduekwe, State Party Woman Leader Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi represented by Mrs Mefor (wife of the Anambra Commissioner for Information), Leader of the INLGA Congress of Councillors Hon. Samuel Anikpe, the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture, and the Supervisory Councillor for Education.

Highlights of the GBV advocacy program included the presentation of Merit Awards to Sir Okwy Maduekwe and Hon. Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, a testimonial from a woman whose four-year-old child was sexually abused by a 46-year-old fake pastor (who is now remanded in prison awaiting trial as a result of our efforts), drama presentations, the distribution of sanitary pads and exercise books, and offers of scholarships to outstanding participants.