Stand For Humanity Foundation Launches Anti-Child Abuse Campaign in Imo State

The Stand For Humanity Foundation, a human rights organisation, has launched an anti-child abuse campaign in Imo State, targeting markets and public places in Mbaitoli and Owerri North Local Government Areas. On Saturday, the foundation's Founder and President, Chidiebube Okeoma, led members on an advocacy tour to raise awareness about the dangers of child abuse and its legal consequences. The campaign aims to educate traders, residents, and passers-by about the need to protect children against all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

The advocacy team visited several markets, including Egbeada Market, Akwakuma Market, and Amakaohia Market, as well as Imo State University Junction and Works Layout in Owerri. During the campaign, Okeoma addressed the people, warning against various forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse, forced and underage marriages, child labour, and deliberate starvation of children. He emphasised that child abuse constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, and anyone found culpable could face arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.

Okeoma highlighted alleged cases of child abuse involving suspects previously apprehended by the organisation, some of whom had been convicted while others were facing trial in various courts across the country. The foundation urged traders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse within their communities. To facilitate reporting, the organisation distributed its contact details to members of the public.

The foundation also distributed educational materials to traders and residents, urging them to collaborate with Stand For Humanity Foundation in its ongoing campaign against child abuse. Okeoma explained that the initiative was designed to move beyond theoretical advocacy and confront child abuse at the grassroots level. He stressed that direct engagement with ordinary Nigerians remains a critical strategy for building a society where children are protected from exploitation, violence, neglect, and other forms of maltreatment.

The latest campaign followed similar outreach activities conducted at Enyiogugu Market in Aboh Mbaise LGA and Mission Market in Emekuku community, Owerri North LGA. The foundation reaffirmed its determination to sustain the advocacy campaign and engage relevant stakeholders until child abuse is significantly eradicated from society. The organisation called on well-meaning Nigerians, community leaders, market associations, parents, and other stakeholders to join the movement towards creating a safer environment for children.

The Stand For Humanity Foundation appealed to members of the public who share its vision of a society free from child abuse to support the campaign and partner with the foundation. The organisation's message remains clear: Protecting children is a collective responsibility, and silence in the face of abuse must no longer be an option. By engaging with ordinary Nigerians, the foundation aims to build a society where children can grow, access education, and fulfil their potential.

The anti-child abuse campaign is part of the foundation's efforts to promote children's rights and prevent child abuse in Nigeria. According to Okeoma, the organisation will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and advocate for the protection of children until child abuse is eradicated from society. The foundation's efforts have already yielded results, with some suspects convicted and others facing trial for child abuse offences.

Key points

• The Stand For Humanity Foundation has launched an anti-child abuse campaign in Imo State, targeting markets and public places to raise awareness about child abuse.
• The campaign aims to educate traders, residents, and passers-by about the need to protect children against all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• The organisation urges members of the public to support the campaign and partner with the foundation to create a safer environment for children.