Alliances for Africa (AfA), a leading human rights and gender advocacy organisation, has commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his commitment to support campaigns and initiatives aimed at ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improving the lives of women and girls across the state.
The organisation described the Governor’s public pledge, made on July 1, 2026, as a significant step towards strengthening the protection of women and girls and building a safer, more inclusive society in Imo State.
In a statement, AfA noted that the Governor’s commitment sends a strong signal that the safety and rights of women and girls remain a priority for the state government.
The organisation stated that it has, over the years, worked closely with communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, young people and civil society groups to advance the rights of women and girls in Imo State through programmes focused on supporting survivors, strengthening institutional responses, promoting accountability and addressing harmful social norms that fuel violence.
According to AfA, its interventions have focused on tackling Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual harassment in tertiary institutions—issues it said continue to threaten the safety, education, health, dignity and economic wellbeing of thousands of women and girls.
While applauding Governor Uzodinma’s pledge, the organisation stressed that lasting progress would depend on translating political commitments into concrete institutional action backed by effective laws, functional institutions and adequate funding.
AfA therefore called on the Governor to immediately operationalise the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons, as provided under Part V, Section 55 of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
It explained that the agency is legally mandated to coordinate the implementation of the VAPP Law, provide protection and referral services for survivors of violence, monitor compliance with the law, investigate violations and facilitate the prosecution of offenders through its Legal Unit, subject to the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General.
The organisation added that the agency would also strengthen collaboration among government ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to improve the prevention of and response to violence against vulnerable persons.
According to AfA, operationalising the agency would demonstrate the Imo State Government’s commitment to moving beyond policy pronouncements to measurable action that protects women, girls, children and other vulnerable groups.
The organisation also praised the First Lady of Imo State, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, for her sustained advocacy for the welfare, empowerment and protection of women and girls.
It acknowledged her role in promoting gender equality, challenging harmful traditional practices and advancing conversations on social justice across the state.
AfA reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Imo State Government, development partners and civil society organisations to strengthen systems that prevent violence, support survivors and ensure access to justice.
The organisation described the establishment of the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons as a critical milestone that would reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting women and girls and advancing the effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
Alliances for Africa is a human rights, peace and sustainable development organisation committed to advancing gender equality, protecting human rights and promoting social justice through strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives.