GRATITUDE: Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo Commends Governor Mbah and Wife for Siting Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Agbani

...Rounds Up "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" with Grassroots Empowerment 

In a remarkable display of civic engagement, advocacy, and community solidarity, Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo has commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for their visionary decision to site a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The commendation was delivered during a wrap up sensitization programme held on 15th December 2025, as part of the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign championed by the Enugu State First Lady. The event, organized collaboratively by the Office of the Wife of the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, and the Custos Care Foundation, drew participants from across the local government area, including youths, students, women leaders, traditional rulers, political appointees, and civil society actors.

Themed “Digital Violence Is Real Violence – There Is No Excuse for Online Abuse,” the programme focused on the growing dangers of online harassment, cyberbullying, and other emerging forms of abuse in a technology-driven society. Delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Ogbodo emphasized the need for vigilance, responsibility, and education in digital spaces. She urged young girls, in particular, to exercise caution in their online interactions and underscored that digital abuse can have profound emotional and psychological consequences if left unaddressed.

In her address, Mrs. Ogbodo expressed profound appreciation to Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for initiating and sustaining the 16-Day Activism campaign across Enugu State. She described the First Lady’s leadership as a rallying point that inspired local governments, including Nkanu West, to actively participate in advocacy and awareness initiatives aimed at protecting women and children.

Further highlighting the event, Mrs. Ogbodo praised the Governor and his wife for establishing the SARC in Agbani, calling it a “timely and lifesaving intervention” that will ensure swift response, professional care, and justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. She noted that the presence of the facility strengthens the state’s capacity to respond promptly to cases of abuse from across Enugu State, reflecting the administration’s commitment to protection, accountability, and compassionate governance.

In a demonstration of practical support and compassion, Mrs. Ogbodo distributed school bags and educational materials to students and provided bags of rice, clothing, groundnut oil, and tomatoes to women from the fourteen political wards of Nkanu West Local Government Area, showcasing a seamless blend of advocacy and humanitarian service.

Representing the First Lady at the event, Barr. Mrs. Chidimma Egonu, Special Senior Assistant on Special Duties, commended the initiative of the Office of the Wife of the Executive Chairman and reiterated Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah’s unwavering commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence, particularly digital abuse.

Also contributing to the programme, Mrs. Victoria Ogbu, SSA on Women Affairs to the Executive Chairman, urged parents and guardians to exercise constant supervision over their children, stressing that parental guidance remains a critical safeguard against online predators and exposure to harmful content. Comrade Egodi Igwe, Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, delivered an insightful lecture on digital violence, cyberbullying, and online harassment, encouraging participants to adopt responsible digital practices and report abuses promptly.

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, alongside the Secretary to the Local Government, Barr. Onochie Igweshi, traditional rulers, Presidents-General, and other critical stakeholders, were also in attendance, demonstrating strong local government support for the campaign.

Through the event, Nkanu West Local Government Area reinforced its solidarity with the Enugu State First Lady’s vision, emphasizing the collective responsibility of families, communities, and government institutions in protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women and children. The programme successfully deepened public understanding of gender-based violence, particularly digital abuse, while celebrating the role of youth activism and community engagement in driving social change.

While the SARC facility in Agbani becomes fully operational, residents and participants alike are optimistic that this milestone will enhance protection for survivors, elevate awareness, and inspire other leaders to prioritize citizen-centered interventions, justice, and compassionate governance across Enugu State.