By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI — A human rights organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, on Saturday intensified its campaign against child abuse in Imo State with a public awareness rally aimed at promoting child protection and encouraging the reporting of abuse cases.

Participants gathered at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri before embarking on a road walk through major streets of the state capital to sensitise residents on the dangers of child abuse and the need to safeguard children’s rights.

Founder of the organisation, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the campaign was prompted by the increasing number of child abuse cases the foundation has handled in the state.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and the public to prevent abuse and ensure justice for victims.

Okeoma disclosed that the foundation is partnering with the Imo State Police Command, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State chapter, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Affairs to the Governor and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, commended the foundation for mobilising stakeholders to protect children and pledged the command’s continued support in combating child abuse.

Vice Chairman of the NBA, Owerri Branch, Ekezie Onumajulu, who also chairs the branch’s Human Rights Committee, said the association would continue to work with the organisation to promote children’s rights and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in the state, Dr. Bartholomew Echeta, also pledged the association’s support, calling for sustained collaboration to address child abuse.

Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Uche Ewelike, said the agency had provided free medical services for some child abuse victims referred by the foundation and would continue partnering with the organisation.

A consultant paediatrician at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Dr. Emeka Nwolisa, described child abuse as a violation of children’s rights and called for greater public awareness and preventive measures.

Nollywood actor Osinachi Dike, popularly known as Apama, urged residents to support efforts aimed at ending child abuse in the state.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Eric Uwakwe, described the campaign as timely, while former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Ugonna Ozurigbo, pledged support for initiatives aimed at protecting children.

The rally featured public enlightenment on recognising the signs of child abuse, reporting suspected cases and promoting child welfare.

Participants included lawyers, medical professionals, journalists, students, artisans, business owners and children.