Onyekesi Takes Child Protection Campaign to August Meetings, Warns Against Abuse, Domestic Violence

By Njideka Agbo

Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has taken the state government’s campaign against child abuse, domestic violence and youth involvement in crime to Catholic women organisations in Ikenga and Isuofia.

Onyekesi made the call during separate August meetings of Catholic women at St. Anthony’s Parish, Ikenga, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isuofia.

At the St. Anthony’s Parish meeting, the commissioner commended the Catholic Women Organisation for its contributions to family and community development, urging members to remain strong pillars of moral upbringing, peacebuilding and social development.

She stressed that women have an important role to play in protecting children and young people from abuse, exploitation and negative influences.

The commissioner also encouraged the women to support government programmes on child protection, prevention of gender based violence, family welfare and social development.

At the August meeting of the Isuofia Central Catholic Women Organisation, the discussion focused on the growing need for parents and communities to protect children from abuse, exploitation and criminal influences.

The meeting featured the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, where ASP Francisca Egbunike urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour, friendships and activities.

Egbunike said the fight against child abuse, domestic violence and crime must begin from the home, urging parents to watch for behavioural changes and other warning signs that could indicate that a child is being exposed to harmful influences.

She also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, noting that early intervention could prevent children from becoming victims of abuse or being recruited into criminal activities.

Also speaking, the State Women Leader of POCACOV, Amb. Lady Florence N. Mmakah, called on more women to join the campaign against child abuse, domestic violence and crime.

Mmakah urged women to volunteer with POCACOV, stressing that protecting children and restoring moral values require the active involvement of mothers and women across communities.

Onyekesi commended the leadership and members of the Isuofia Catholic women organisation for their commitment to strengthening families and advancing the welfare of women and children.

She described the partnership between the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and POCACOV as an important part of efforts to protect children and safeguard the future of young people in Anambra.

The commissioner said child protection could not be left to government and security agencies alone, but requires the collective efforts of parents, religious institutions, communities and other stakeholders.

She therefore urged women across Anambra to remain united and actively participate in initiatives promoting responsible parenting, family values, peace, child protection and social development.

Onyekesi reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with Catholic women organisations, faith based groups and community organisations across the state.

She also assured residents of the continued commitment of the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo administration to programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable persons, strengthening families and creating a safer environment for children across Anambra State.