Enugu North Local Government Area, on Tuesday, July 3, 2025, hosted a significant sensitisation programme on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) alongside a public hearing on the proposed Enugu State Gender Policy.
The event, organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in partnership with the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) and supported by the Ford Foundation, brought together key stakeholders to chart a path toward eliminating GBV in the state.
Speaking at the programme, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, expressed appreciation to Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, for hosting the event.
She commended his administration’s contributions to development and his “unalloyed commitment to the protection of rights—particularly those of women and children.”
Mrs. Enih also praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the First Lady for their unwavering support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding and empowering women and children.
According to the commissioner, the public hearing provided an opportunity for women to speak on critical issues such as female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence. She thanked SSDO and the Ford Foundation for their sustained partnership in driving gender reforms in Enugu State.
On his part, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, described the event as “timely and necessary” given the growing campaigns and sensitisation efforts on gender-based violence across the state. He reiterated that Enugu North was committed to leading by example in addressing these issues.
Dr. Onoh lauded Governor Mbah for approving the gender policy reform and for implementing various developmental projects in the council and the state at large. He equally commended Mrs. Enih for her passion for gender equity and inclusiveness.
He urged women at the hearing to “speak freely and boldly so that their contributions can help shape a comprehensive policy that tackles the challenges faced by women and children in the state.”
