Recently, our attention was drawn to the case of six young girls from Imo State between the ages of 18 and 28 who had been promised better employment or education. Unfortunately, they became victims of their sponsors, who exploited them by forcing them into sex hawking and seizing their babies to be sold without their consent.

Thankfully, the Ogun State Government was able to rescue them and inform the Imo State Government about their whereabouts and situation. Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, my office has met with these ladies and taken the steps to ensure they are accommodated in a safe location and that they and their babies receive all the medical care and counselling they need.

My office would like to express its appreciation to the Ogun State Government, Imo State Government, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, Hon. Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu and the Director of the Child Department for the roles they played in rescuing and accommodating the young girls in this rather unfortunate incident.

I will continue to be a leading voice in promoting policies and advocating for our women against discrimination and other forms of gender-based violence in Imo State and the rest of the country.

#humanrights #womensrights #chiomauzodimma

H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation.