The Akwa Ibom State Government’s Comprehensive Efforts to Protect and Empower the Girl Child
The Akwa Ibom State Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, particularly the girl child, through various initiatives and programs. Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, highlighted the state’s significant strides in combating child abuse and exploitation, providing care for vulnerable children, and promoting girl child education and empowerment. These efforts align with the state’s ARISE Agenda, a comprehensive development blueprint aimed at transforming Akwa Ibom into a vibrant and prosperous state.
One of the key achievements highlighted by Mrs. Obareki was the robust enforcement of the Child Rights Law, resulting in the prosecution of over 200 cases of child abuse and exploitation since May 2023. This demonstrates the government’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future abuses. Complementing these legal measures, the state has established a network of support systems for vulnerable children, including state-run orphanages that currently care for over 800 orphans and vulnerable children. These facilities provide essential care, including shelter, food, and education, ensuring that these children have a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive.
The state government has also taken decisive action to curb harmful practices that negatively impact the girl child’s future, such as child labor and street hawking during school hours. These practices often deprive children of their right to education and expose them to various risks, including exploitation and abuse. Furthermore, the government has implemented measures to rescue and rehabilitate victims of “baby factories,” illegal facilities where young girls are often forced into pregnancy and their babies sold. The state’s commitment to rescuing and reintegrating these victims with their families underscores its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Recognizing the importance of empowering children and fostering their civic engagement, the Akwa Ibom State Government has established Children’s Parliaments in all 31 local government areas. These platforms provide children with a voice and an opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Furthermore, the annual celebration of Children’s Day and the Day of the African Child provides opportunities to amplify children’s voices and raise awareness about their rights and needs. These initiatives aim to nurture a generation of civic-minded leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the state.
Dr. Praise Matemavi, an Associate Professor and abdominal transplant surgeon at the University of Mississippi, underscored the global challenge of early marriage and its detrimental effects on girls’ lives. She highlighted the alarming statistics of millions of girls worldwide being married before the age of 18, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a high prevalence of this harmful practice. While acknowledging the global challenge, Dr. Matemavi commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and stakeholders for their efforts in reducing the prevalence of child marriage in the state. She noted a significant decrease in the percentage of girls married before their 18th birthday, attributing this positive trend to the government’s interventions and advocacy efforts.
The 5th Sam Momah Annual Lecture Series, themed “The Girl Child: Building Stakeholders’ Buy-In,” provided a platform to discuss and strategize on further enhancing the well-being of the girl child. The event, held at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Auditorium, brought together government officials, academics, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to share insights and collaborate on initiatives that promote girl child education, health, and overall development. The event also served as a tribute to the late Dr. Sam Momah, whose legacy of service and commitment to education inspired the establishment of the foundation.
The Akwa Ibom State Government’s comprehensive approach to protecting and empowering the girl child demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens. By enforcing the Child Rights Law, providing care for vulnerable children, combating harmful practices, and fostering civic engagement, the state is creating an enabling environment for girls to thrive and reach their full potential. The collaboration with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and international partners, further strengthens these efforts and ensures that the girl child receives the support and resources she needs to succeed. The ongoing commitment to reviewing and strengthening these initiatives reflects the state’s dedication to continuously improving the lives of its children and building a more equitable and prosperous society.
