Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have raised concerns over the continued prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), urging students to speak out against abuse and seek help whenever their rights are violated.
The call was made on Tuesday during a bi-annual ATM GBV/GHR outreach organised at West Itam Secondary School, Ekit-Itam II, Itu Local Government Area, where students were sensitised on sexual violence, rape, bullying, physical abuse and the need to respect the rights of others.
Speaking during the programme, Ruth Mfon, Chief State Counsel in the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, described gender-based violence as a recurring problem in society, noting that efforts to educate the public had not stopped its occurrence. She stressed the need for sustained public sensitisation, proper parenting and the involvement of teachers in educating children about their rights and the consequences of abusive behaviour.
“It’s happening. We’re trying to see how we can sensitize the people about it, but it’s still happening almost everywhere,” Mfon said.
Similarly, Elizabeth Udo, State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), said the outreach was designed to address the vulnerability of young people, particularly students in the senior classes. She explained that West Itam Secondary School was selected because of its large student population, estimated at over 5,000, and its location, which would enable the message to reach more people.
Udo disclosed that an earlier sensitisation exercise at another school in Uyo had prompted several students to disclose experiences of bullying, physical abuse and alleged rape. According to her, some of the cases were followed up through counselling and referrals. She encouraged students and members of the public to report incidents of abuse, assuring them that their identities would be protected and that reported cases would receive attention.
Also speaking, Ushie Roseline, Chief Investigation Officer of the National Human Rights Commission, said the programme was part of the commission’s responsibility to promote and protect human rights. She explained that children affected by violence sometimes experience psychological and educational setbacks, including dropping out of school, adding that sensitisation programmes help victims understand their rights and where to seek assistance.
The Principal of West Itam Secondary School, Victor Morgan Etim, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to equip students, particularly girls, with the knowledge to recognise and resist sexual exploitation. He expressed hope that the organisers would sustain their engagement with the school to prepare students for the challenges ahead.
Some of the students who participated in the programme, including Blessing Emmanuel Utem, Peace Henry Moses and Mary Friday Sunday, said they had learnt about human rights, responsible conduct, the dangers of rape and the need to reject bullying. They also urged their peers to avoid violence, respect one another and seek help when confronted with abuse.
The stakeholders called on parents, teachers, school authorities and community members to support efforts to prevent gender-based violence, emphasising that addressing the problem requires collective responsibility and a willingness to speak out against abuse.
