Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
No fewer than 100 women have taken to the streets of Anambra State to demand for the elimination of gender-based violence, child abuse and other fetish practices in their communities.
The women, during their rally in Idemmili North Local Government Area, urged the leadership of communities to institute measures that ensure women inclusion and equality, end child abuse, domestic violence and other fetish practices like ritual killings, among others.
The rally was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with VAPPLIC with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, and powered by Supporters of Good governance, as part of the events marking the 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration.
The women marched from the Local Government Secretariat, Ogidi, to the home of the Nkpor Traditional Prime Minister bearing placards with inscriptions: “No more Okeite,” “No more killings,” “Husbands should stop beating their wives ” “wives respect your husband,” “no more child abuse,” ” no more stealing,” “no more kidnapping,” “no more rituals, cultism,” among others.
Leading the group, wife of Idemmili Council Chairman, Lady Ebere Nkwoka, urged women to speak out and report incidences of gender violence, emphasising the importance of creating a peaceful home environment in the area.
To promote this message, Lady Nkwoka said she has been visiting schools in the council area, teaching women how to maintain harmony in their homes and respect their husbands. She also emphasised the significance of training children to ensure a peaceful home environment.
Lady Nkwoka endorsed the governor’s call to report any suspicious activities, including fetish practices. She encouraged everyone to report any wrongdoing to the relevant authorities, ensuring prompt action is taken.
Earlier, coordinator of Violence Against Persons Prohibition law Committee in the State, Mrs Loveth Onyendilefu, stated that with the rally, Anambra has joined the global movement to eradicate discrimination against women. She noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Soludo, is committed to eliminating violence against women, which she said has become a pervasive issue.
She also reminded that the governor has made it clear that he will no longer tolerate harmful practices, such as ‘oke-ite,’ stressing the need for the communities to join hands with the governor to reform the state.
“To achieve meaningful change, it is essential that these efforts are replicated at the community level. We urge you to support us in advocating for the elimination of these practices within our communities. We are committed to promoting accelerated action on gender equality and taking a firm stance against early marriage. Our ultimate goal is to achieve equality and justice for all members of our communities,” she said.
Responding, the Traditional Prime Minister, High Chief Emma Ifejika, acknowledged that the practice of Okeite has been a longstanding concern in the community, predating the governor’s efforts to eradicate it. He lamented that the practice has had a corrosive effect on the community’s traditions and values, noting that it has even driven some children away from attending church.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the governor for his commitment to curbing the practice, which had been spreading rapidly. He reassured that he would do his part to educate people of Nkpor about the governor’s efforts and pledged his support for the fight against Okeite.
High Chief Ifejika emphasised that every community has its unique culture and traditions, but the practice of Okeite is a recent innovation that does not align with their values. He noted that the practice has led to a decline in church attendance among women, who have instead turned to idolatrous practices.
He said Nkpor, as a community, is in support of the governor to combat Okeite and other harmful practices. He reiterated that domestic violence is a scourge on society and pledged to do everything in his power to ensure that his community is free from such practices.
