FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs has concluded the 2025 , 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a strong demonstration of civic resilience, heightened advocacy, and renewed commitment to protecting women and girls especially in digital spaces.
This year’s campaign, which began in November and ended on December 10, 2025, carried the global theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” Across Umuahia and Aba, the Ministry led a series of impactful awareness drives designed to deepen public consciousness, promote stakeholder collaboration, and strengthen statewide mechanisms for preventing and responding to GBV.
A major highlight of the campaign was the Walk Against Gender-Based Violence, which drew hundreds of participants including women groups, school children, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
The walk, organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs created a compelling public display of solidarity. Placards bearing messages such as “Say No to Gender-Based Violence” and “Protect Our Women and Girls” conveyed a clear demand for collective accountability in ending abuse.
During the closing ceremony in Umuahia, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, reiterated the government’s commitment to combating all forms of violence against women and girls—including online abuse.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, she disclosed that she recently participated in high-level discussions in Abidjan during the Annual Summit of the Nigerian Governors’ Foundation Forum, where digital safety solutions were explored for Nigerian women and girls.
She further announced key initiatives set to strengthen the state’s response:
Inauguration of a High-Level GBV Management Committee chaired by herself.
Completion of a state-of-the-art Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba, expected to become fully operational by January 2026.
Launch of a dedicated GBV hotline, described as “a lifeline for survivors,” to be released to the public soon.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Ahukwa, emphasized that Gender-Based Violence is no longer a private affair but a serious societal problem requiring unified action.
She highlighted the Ministry’s extensive activities across schools, markets, communities, religious institutions, and social spaces, engaging men, women, boys, and girls with the message that GBV must be confronted collectively.
Dr. Ahukwa expressed gratitude to the state government for its continuous support in strengthening prevention, response, and prosecution efforts.
The event also featured two expert lectures that offered deep insights on:
Prevention strategies
Legal frameworks for GBV
A deeply moving testimony by a GBV survivor brought emotional weight to the ceremony. She publicly thanked the Abia State Governor,Dr Alex Otti and First Lady ,Mrs Priscilla Otti for the intervention that saved her life, describing the government’s support as a turning point that restored her hope.
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), which pledged continued media advocacy for safe digital spaces and zero tolerance for online abuse.
FIDA Nigeria, which reiterated the need for stronger access to justice, reinforced legal systems, and community-driven prevention measures.
PCRC Women Wing, which joined the awareness walk and reaffirmed their institutional support to the cause.
The 2025 ,16 Days of Activism concluded with unified pledges from government agencies, security institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, the media, and the general public to sustain advocacy and strengthen protection mechanisms.
The closing ceremony resounded with a shared message:
Gender-Based Violence whether digital or physical has no place in Abia State. Ending it remains a collective responsibility.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
December 10,2025.
