The Imo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Conference organized by my office in collaboration with other stakeholders to continue the commemoration of #16DaysOfActivism was held today, December 7, 2021.

In her welcome address, Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Hon. Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu discussed the activities the Office of the First Lady of Imo State and Ministry had undertaken in the past year. The Member Representing Njaba State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Amb. Uju Onwudiwe, in her remarks assured the audience that the 3R Administration has always placed top priority on matters concerning SGBV in the State.

Our Guest speaker, the author of “I Called Him Dad”, Ms. Ishiaku Fatima Ada, shared the heartbreaking story of how she was repeatedly raped by her stepfather and uncle. When she opened up to her mother, instead of receiving help, she was taken for spiritual cleansing. Several years and suicide attempts later, she now uses her story to bring awareness to the violence young boys, girls and women face in the world. She further urged parents to listen to their children and teach them about sex education.

Let me extend my sincere gratitude to all attendees present at the conference; Ag. Chief Judge of Imo State - Hon. Justice Theresa Chikeka, Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, FIDA Imo State Chapter, Imo State Chairpersons, Wives of the Imo State House of Assembly members, State Coordinators of National Human Rights Commission, National Association of Women Journalists, National Council of Women’s Societies, Nigeria Correctional Service and students. Through our advocacy efforts, we remain optimistic that together, we can effectively combat SGBV in our community.

#OrangetheWorld! #endgenderbasedviolence #endrapeculture #endhumantrafficking #chiomauzodimma

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