In a bid to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Akwa Ibom State, the Gender-Based Violence Response Unit of Uyo Local Government, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice, hosted a town hall meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council Hall, Wellington Bassey Way.
The gathering brought together traditional rulers and community leaders within Uyo LGA to raise awareness regarding gender-based violence and to devise strategies for its eradication.
The 2025 GBV awareness program is designed to foster a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity with an emphasis on safeguarding women and girls from violence and harmful practices.
The wife of Uyo Local Government Chairman and President of WALGON in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo Udo, who convened the meeting expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their steadfast support and participation. She encouraged them to disseminate information about GBV and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) within their communities.
Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo Udo
Mrs. Ifreke Okpon, Director of Social Development, Education, and Information, Sports and Culture in Uyo, delivered the opening address, extending a warm welcome to all attendees. With the objective of reducing the incidence of gender-based violence, Barrister Emem Ette, Director at the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Response Department, reiterated the importance of the VAPP Law 2020. She provided extensive insights into its provisions and the legal consequences associated with each of the offence.
Dr Inemesit Uwah, the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, underscored the necessity of adhering to these laws to cultivate a peaceful community. She noted the significant reduction in gender-based violence since the introduction of these legal statutes and praised the traditional rulers for their collaboration with the Gender-Based Violence Response Department in identifying perpetrators during investigations.
Goodwill messages were conveyed by various traditional rulers, representatives of the Arewa community, members of the University of Uyo community, and other dignitaries present at the town hall meeting.
The event was attended by notable personalities including the wife of the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Joyful Eyo; wife of the Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, Mrs. Mercy Eka; wife of the Member representing Uyo State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Mrs. Idongesit Uwemedimo Asuquo; Vice Chairman of Uyo Council, Hon. Christiana Bassey; and the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Ekemini Bassey, alongside his wife, Nsisong and Obonganwan Mfon Udokpo.
Also in attendance were Prof. Comfort Usoro, Head of the Department of Home Economics, University of Uyo; Prof. Imaobong Akpan of the University of Uyo; and Rev. Patrick Eyo, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Uyo Chapter.