From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
A human rights organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, has intensified its campaign against child abuse in Imo State, taking its sensitisation drive to major markets and public places in Mbaitoli and Owerri North Local Government Areas.
The Founder and President of the organisation, Chidiebube Okeoma, on Saturday led members of the foundation on the advocacy tour, which targeted traders, residents, men and women, with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of child abuse and its legal consequences.
Markets visited during the exercise included Egbeada Market, popularly known as Ahia Rochas, in Mbaitoli LGA, as well as Akwakuma and Amakaohia markets in Owerri North LGA.
The team also extended the campaign to Imo State University Junction and Works Layout, both in Owerri, where members engaged residents and passers-by on the need to protect children against all forms of abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Addressing the people, Okeoma warned against sexual abuse of minors, forced and underage marriages, child labour, deliberate starvation of children and denial of access to education.
Okeoma, who is also a journalist, emphasised that child abuse constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, warning that anyone found culpable could face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment.
During the sensitisation exercise, he also highlighted alleged cases of child abuse involving suspects previously apprehended by members of the organisation. He disclosed that some of the suspects had been convicted, while others were facing trial in various courts across the country.
The foundation urged traders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse within their communities.
It also distributed its contact details to members of the public to facilitate the reporting of incidents and ensure timely intervention.
Educational materials were equally distributed to traders and residents, with the organisation urging them to collaborate with Stand For Humanity Foundation in its ongoing campaign against child abuse in the country.
Speaking on the rationale behind taking the campaign directly to markets and public spaces, Okeoma explained that the initiative was designed to move beyond theoretical advocacy and confront child abuse at the grassroots level.
According to him, direct engagement with ordinary Nigerians remains a critical strategy for building a society where children are protected from exploitation, violence, neglect and other forms of maltreatment.
The latest campaign followed similar outreach activities conducted on Thursday at Enyiogugu Market in Aboh Mbaise LGA and Mission Market in Emekuku community, Owerri North LGA.
The foundation reaffirmed its determination to sustain the advocacy campaign and engage relevant stakeholders until child abuse is significantly eradicated from society.
It further called on well-meaning Nigerians, community leaders, market associations, parents and other stakeholders to join the movement towards creating a safer environment where every child, irrespective of family background, social status or ethnic identity, has the opportunity to grow, access education and fulfil their God-given potential.
The organisation also appealed to members of the public who share its vision of a society free from child abuse to support the campaign and partner with the foundation.
Its message remains clear: Protecting children is a collective responsibility, and silence in the face of abuse must no longer be an option.
