Abia First Lady Rallies Support to Combat Gender-Based Violence

The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has called for a united effort to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and protect the rights of women and girls. Speaking at a summit in Umuahia marking the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, she emphasized the need for a collective, multisectoral approach involving government agencies, civil society, law enforcement, and community members.

Mrs. Otti announced the establishment of a GBV response team and management committee to ensure a coordinated response to cases. These bodies will oversee prevention strategies, timely interventions, and survivor support, including access to legal aid, medical care, counseling, and emergency shelter through the newly created GBV Victim Support Fund.

She highlighted efforts to raise awareness against cultural norms that perpetuate violence, train law enforcement on sensitive case handling, and strengthen collaborations with NGOs and international agencies. “Violence has no place in Abia State,” she stated, urging stakeholders to work together for a violence-free society.

Traditional rulers and community leaders also pledged their support. They called for reforms to eliminate harmful practices and empower widows and women’s inheritance rights, reflecting evolving societal norms. The importance of domesticating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in local languages and creating specialized courts for GBV cases was emphasized.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, reinforced the urgency of collaboration, noting the devastating impact of GBV on victims. The summit concluded with stakeholders committing to protect women and children through sustained partnerships and actionable strategies.