Udenu Launches 16 Days of Activism, Intensifies Fight Against Child Abuse

The Wife of the Council Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mrs. Sylvia Aka Eze Aka, has launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Child Abuse, setting the tone for an intensified grassroots campaign to curb the rising incidents of child exploitation and violence in the area.

The event, held at the Udenu LGA Headquarters, opened with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Casmire Nnaemeka Urama, signalling a solemn start to a programme focused on strengthening child protection systems and community vigilance.

The First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, was represented by Comrade Egodi Blessing Igwe, Managing Director of Custoscare Foundation.

Delivering the state’s message, Comrade Igwe said the 16-day global mobilisation remains a critical reminder that children must be guaranteed safety, dignity, love, and the freedom to speak out.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the state and the local government to sustained advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives targeted at eliminating all forms of abuse.

The gathering drew students, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and community leaders, reflecting a broad coalition rallying around the need for stronger child protection structures.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Aka Eze Aka, restated the council’s determination to safeguard children, support vulnerable families, and promote early reporting of abuse.

It featured a student drama performance illustrating the emotional and social consequences of abuse, as well as cultural and musical presentations by St. Patrick’s College, Obollo Eke, and the Udenu Women.

Two technical sessions anchored the day. Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Urama focused on the importance of community vigilance, early intervention, and proper reporting channels. Comrade Igwe’s lecture outlined practical strategies families and communities can deploy to protect children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Traditional rulers and the Secretary to the Local Government delivered goodwill messages, calling for deeper collaboration among government agencies, households, schools, and community custodians to tackle the growing challenge.

As part of the empowerment initiative, essential items including food supplies, rice, sanitary pads, school bags, and groundnut oil were distributed to women, schoolgirls, and vulnerable households.

The 16-day campaign will continue across Udenu LGA with expanded sensitisation efforts aimed at reinforcing community responsibility, improving response mechanisms, and ensuring a safer environment for every child.