Alliances for Africa Commends Uzodinma's Anti-GBV Commitment, Demands Immediate Action

Human rights organisation Alliances for Africa (AFA) has commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for publicly committing to support campaigns against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), while urging the state government to immediately translate the pledge into concrete institutional action.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation described the governor's commitment, announced on July 1, as a significant step towards strengthening the protection of women and girls across Imo State.

According to AfA, the governor's declaration sends a strong message that the safety, dignity and rights of women and girls remain a priority for his administration.

The organisation however, stressed that lasting progress would depend on implementing existing legal frameworks rather than making policy declarations alone.

"For many years, Alliances for Africa has worked alongside communities, institutions, traditional leaders, young people and government stakeholders to advance the rights of women and girls in Imo State," the statement said.

It noted that through its programmes, the organisation has supported survivors of violence, strengthened institutional responses, promoted accountability and challenged harmful cultural practices that expose women and girls to abuse.

AfA said its interventions have focused on tackling key issues affecting women and girls, including Female Genital Mutilation, gender-based violence and sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.

According to the organisation, these challenges continue to undermine the safety, education, health, economic opportunities and overall well-being of thousands of women and girls across the state.

While applauding the governor's commitment, AfA called on the state government to immediately operationalise the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons as provided under Section 55 of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

The organisation explained that establishing the agency is essential because it is legally mandated to coordinate the implementation of the VAPP Law, provide protection and referral services for survivors, monitor compliance with the law, investigate violations and facilitate the prosecution of offenders through its legal unit, subject to the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General.

It added that the agency would also strengthen collaboration among government ministries, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in preventing and responding to violence.

According to AfA, operationalising the agency would demonstrate that the state government is committed to moving beyond public declarations towards measurable actions that protect women, girls, children and other vulnerable persons.

The organisation also commended the First Lady of Imo State, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, for her advocacy on women's welfare, empowerment and protection.

AfA noted that her sustained efforts in challenging harmful practices and promoting gender equality have helped advance conversations on women's rights and social justice in the state.

The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with the Imo State Government, relevant public institutions, development partners and civil society organisations to strengthen systems that prevent violence, protect survivors and ensure access to justice.

It maintained that establishing the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons would represent a defining step towards making Imo State safer for women, girls and other vulnerable residents.