By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Perpetrators of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom will have no breathing space as eight convictions have been secured in June 2026 as part of intensified efforts to ensure justice for survivors.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the State’s Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Lady Helen Eno Obareki made this known on Sunday during a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month, held at the Presbyterian Church Nigeria, Uyo.
She said the convictions, comprising five rape cases, two cases of physical abuse and one attempted murder case, demonstrate the state government’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of violence and its determination to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
According to her, the attempted murder conviction was particularly significant as it was the first case recorded during the tenure of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, noting that the conviction, secured on June 25, stands as evidence that the foundation laid by Pastor Patience Eno, continues to produce meaningful results in protecting vulnerable persons.
“That attempted murder case is deeply personal. It was the very first case recorded during the tenure of my dear mother, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, as First Lady of Akwa Ibom State. That it has now resulted in a conviction, just three days ago, on Thursday, June 25, is not just justice served, it is a moment of fulfilment, a testament that the foundation she laid continues to yield results, and that her passion for protecting the vulnerable lives on,” she said.
She added that the conviction sends a strong signal to offenders and hope to survivors still awaiting justice.
“This sends a clear and unmistakable message that in Akwa Ibom State, violence will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued without compromise. It also gives survivors with pending matters hope that justice is not only possible but inevitable when we stand firm,” she added.
Lady Obareki stated that under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, the state has strengthened legal frameworks, expanded medical and social support systems for survivors and simplified reporting mechanisms to encourage victims to seek justice without fear.
She explained that improved collaboration among security agencies, investments in social protection programmes and community-based interventions have further enhanced access to justice while reinforcing the state’s resolve to combat violence against women and other vulnerable groups.
The GBV Management Committee Chairperson commended Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, security agencies, the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders for sustaining awareness campaigns and supporting survivors throughout the month-long advocacy programme.
She also highlighted the contributions of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), noting that through partnerships, including support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), several GBV survivors have received vocational training, business grants, sewing machines and start-up kits to rebuild their lives through economic empowerment.
Lady Obareki stressed that addressing poverty, dependency and ignorance remains critical to reducing vulnerability to abuse, adding that empowering women and strengthening families are essential strategies in preventing Gender-Based Violence.
“GIFA strikes directly at the root of vulnerabilities that expose our people to exploitation and abuse: poverty, dependency, and ignorance. When a family is stable, a woman is economically empowered, and a child is protected by community structures, the oxygen is cut off from Gender-Based Violence,” she added.
Lady Obareki urged religious organisations, community groups, government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations to continue creating safe spaces where victims can report abuse without fear or stigma while ensuring that survivors receive timely support.
Addressing young people, she challenged them to become ambassadors against Gender-Based Violence by using their voices, creativity and digital platforms to promote respect, accountability and a culture that rejects abuse.
The Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette, expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of a month-long statewide awareness campaign against GBV.
She appreciated stakeholders, particularly the over 50 Non-Governmental Organisations that joined forces with the Committee to take the message to communities across Akwa Ibom State.
She urged parents and guardians to be more observant of their environment and remain vigilant, stressing that perpetrators of abuse could sometimes be found even among trusted family members, friends, or close associates.
In a sermon on the theme, “What Are You Doing There, Be The Light”, drawn from the book of John 14:5-18, the Rev. Uwem Etukakpan admonished Christians to live life of obedience, a Spirit-led life that portrays the likeness of God and influences people positively.
The service was attended by members of the GBV Management Committee, the Coalition against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), other partners agencies and state personnel involved in the month’s activities.
