Chinedum Elekwachi
A group, Save and Secure the Child Initiative has lamented increasing cases of child abuse and molestation in various communities in Anambra state.
The group said the ugly trend was more worrisome following carefree attitude of many parents to their responsibilities of child upbringing.
Addressing traders in Eke Onyibo during its outreach under Maternal and Child Health Project, State Principal of the group, Chief Kingsley Obi said child abuses would be drastically reduced if parents take their responsibilities seriously.
He said the group’s interest has no political coloration but purely humanitarian, urging the traders to trust in them to fight for their justice and those of their dependents.
Onyibo cited example of a rape case involving an influencial man who was jailed following the group’s intervention amidst plea by a senior police officer to drop the case.
He said, “Our membership cut across various fields and professions, including lawyers and doctors.
Journey of five years
“We started this group five years ago with an agreement not to collect money from any politicians in order to be free to fight for the common man.
“We want you to trust us because of the feats we’ve recorded. Several persons have been arrested through our intervention. Some spent years in prison.
“If you have any case, feel free to contact us. We generate funds internally. We’re not law enforcement agencies nor have affiliations with government, but we handle children related cases.”
Also speaking, Dr Uju Agwuna described protection of children from abuses as collective responsibility.
She listed various forms of abuses to include sexual, emotional, physical and psychological.
“You don’t protect only your biological children. You owe a duty to protect any children around you, as long as he/she is a child,” she added.
On her part, Barr Edith Anyanor said monitoring and providing guardian for children required wisdom, saying even church pastors have been accused of sexual abuse.
She said, “We are on a mission to protect, uplift, and empower the most vulnerable children and youth across the globe.
“We believe that every child deserves a safe home, quality education, nutritious meals, and the chance to grow in dignity and hope.
“Our work spans emergency relief, school feeding, shelter provision, and the rehabilitation of children affected by trafficking, exploitation, and poverty.
“We walk hand-in-hand with children who’ve been silenced by trauma—restoring their voices, their safety, and their futures.
“We also empower young women, widows, and underprivileged youth with skills training, microenterprise support, and leadership development.
“From farming to fishery, from classrooms to community halls—we nurture self-reliance, resilience, and lasting impact.
Partnership, awareness campaign
“Through local partnerships, awareness campaigns, and grassroots initiatives, we are building a future where no child is left behind, and every dream has a chance to shine.”
Responding, Chairman, Eke Onyibo, Daniel Nwokoye appreciated the group for the visit, pledging support of his members to the project.
He said, “Some of you go for evangelism, but there’s no evangelism or prayers greater than this. This is the true religion.
“You can assist them in spreading the news by collecting their fliers and taking them to your churches to share to members.”
