ADVOCACY

TEAM IKONO LG GBV RESPONSE UNIT CONCLUDES SENSITISATION EXERCISE 

•••Calls for Collaborative Effort to  Foster a zero violence society 


By Julius Nsikak, Explicit News Magazine 



A team of Ikono Local Government's Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Unit, led by Mrs. Emem Ukpong, Coordinator, has successfully concluded a one-day sensitisation exercise with the theme "United Against Violence: Celebrating 5 Years of the VAPP Law in Akwa Ibom State". 


The exercise, which took place Wednesday, 11th June 2025, commenced at Itak People's High School, Nung Udoe Itak, and ended at Methodist School, Osuk Ediene in Ikono Local Government Area. 


The event aimed to provide adequate sensitisation and awareness to pupils, students, teachers, and non-teaching staff on gender-based violence issues and responsible ways to combat it, and as well provide education on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Akwa Ibom State.




Speaking to participants, Mrs. Ukpong highlighted various types of GBV, including physical violence, sexual violence, emotional violence, socio-economic violence, harmful traditional practices, and technology-facilitated violence. She explained the significance of the movement, its anticipated impact, and how it can help young individuals defend themselves against rights abuse or infringement.


"The current government, under the stewardship of Lady Helen Obareki Eno, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, has zero tolerance for gender-based violence or any other form of abuse.


Our Council Chairman, Rt. Hon Engr Oto-Obong Essien , is a resilient and principled woman who has assured swift response to any form of GBV, and we are working towards domesticating the VAPP law in our area," Mrs Ukpong added.


Furthermore, the GBV Coordinator, encouraged pupils and students to be good ambassadors of peace, warning them about the repercussions of engaging in GBV. She called on teachers and parents to be part of the process, ensuring orderliness and relative peace in schools, homes, and communities. 

"Do not be a bully to your friends, siblings, or neighbours. Play your part well in promoting a zero-violence society for growth and development," she advised.

The Principal of Itak People's High School, Itak, Mrs. Esther Udoekpo and Head Teacher of Methodist School, Osuk Ediene, Mrs. Alice Akpan, appreciated the team for choosing their schools to host the event, assuring that they would propagate the message of sensitisation against GBV and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.

At the end of the exercise, Mrs. Ukpong presented copies of the VAPP Law to the visited schools and donated educational materials to support learning and many other things.

The sensitisation exercise drew participation from the Ikono Gender-Based Violence Response Unit, alongside other advocacy organisations and stakeholders.

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