By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
A coalition of non-governmental organizations has launched a month-long sensitization campaign across Akwa Ibom State to raise awareness on the dangers and consequences of Gender and Sexual Based Violence (SGBV).
The campaign, themed “United Against Violence”, marks the fifth anniversary of the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in the state.
In collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice and the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department, the campaign is reaching schools, market squares, and churches across various local government areas to educate citizens on their rights and the legal frameworks available for redress.
Two NGOs, Goodnews Lifecare Development Initiative and Doro Voice Initiative, organized a sensitization session at Ikono Ibom Secondary School, Ikot Anyan, in Uyo LGA. A representative of the school’s principal highlighted the challenges of addressing violence within the school system and ongoing efforts to promote student safety.
Team leader Ofonmbuk Ukpohu provided students with a simplified overview of the VAPP Law, detailing referral pathways and distributing a training manual tailored for schools. The school management expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged ongoing cooperation. Students actively participated in the session, underscoring the need for continued awareness efforts.
In a similar effort, Vitonia Lead International Foundation, led by Blessing Gordon, held sensitization events at St. Andrews AC School and Idu Market in Idu Uruan. During the outreach, the Village Head raised alarm over increasing youth involvement in drug abuse and decried the obstruction of justice in some GBV-related cases by individuals in positions of power.
He affirmed his full support for the campaign and emphasized that any reported GBV cases in his jurisdiction would be treated with the seriousness they deserve. He also called for a follow-up event to reach a broader segment of the community.
According to data released during the campaign, 1,520 cases of Gender-Based Violence have been recorded in Akwa Ibom State between January 2020 and June 2, 2025.
The “United Against Violence” campaign continues throughout the month, with more engagements planned to drive home the message of zero tolerance for SGBV and to encourage survivors to seek justice.
