From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
A Civil Society Organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, has partnered with Ambassador Nkemjika Egwuim, Assistant Secretary-General of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to explore strategies for combating child abuse in society.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, disclosed this when he led members of the organisation on a courtesy visit to Ambassador Egwuim at his country home in Amaogwugwu village, Obazu Mbieri community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, on Tuesday.
Okeoma expressed concern over the rising incidence of child abuse, particularly sexual abuse and physical assault, stressing the need for concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders to address the menace.
He explained that the visit was aimed at securing the diplomat’s collaboration in the fight against child abuse through international policy engagement, local advocacy, public awareness campaigns, education, access to justice and rehabilitation of victims.
According to him, Stand For Humanity Foundation, which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission on December 13, 2024, has been engaging relevant stakeholders to promote access to justice and ensure that children are raised in safe and decent environments.
Okeoma further disclosed that in 2026 alone, the foundation had facilitated the arrest of hundreds of suspects in child abuse cases, resulting in one conviction, while several other cases were at different stages of investigation and trial at police stations and courts.
As part of the engagement, the foundation conferred on Ambassador Egwuim the designation of Anti-Child Abuse Ambassador, in recognition of the need for stronger collaboration to tackle the scourge.
Accepting the designation, Ambassador Egwuim commended the foundation for speaking up for vulnerable members of society and championing the cause of the downtrodden.
He expressed concern over the rate of child abuse and pledged the collaboration of his office in efforts to combat the menace and protect children from all forms of abuse.
