Enugu Government and UNICEF Partner to Train Child Protection Volunteers in Pilot LGAs

In a significant move to combat child abuse, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development has joined forces with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to train community-based child protection volunteers. The initiative, which commenced on July 22 at the Ashishi-Owo Civic Centre in Nkanu East Local Government Area, aims to empower 160 volunteers from 106 communities across three pilot LGAs—Nkanu East, Udenu, and Udi.

Government’s Commitment to Child Protection

Ngozi Enih, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children and eliminating abuse. Represented by Nkechi Beatrice Ewo, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Enih highlighted the alarming rise in violence against children, including molestation, child labor, and other harmful practices.

“Children are the future leaders, and if we fail to act now, we risk losing them to abuse and exploitation,” she warned. She further stressed that the Ministry fully endorsed the UNICEF-led training program, which aligns with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision for a safer Enugu State.

UNICEF’s Role in Strengthening Grassroots Protection

Victor Atuchukwu, UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist at the Enugu Field Office, explained that the partnership seeks to enhance child protection services at the community level. The five-day training program will equip volunteers with essential skills to identify, report, and respond to child abuse cases effectively.

“We are starting with 160 volunteers from 106 communities, grouped into clusters of up to 50 participants,” Atuchukwu stated. “The training covers core concepts of child protection, prevention strategies, and proper reporting mechanisms.”

Strategic Selection of Pilot LGAs

The three pilot LGAs—Nkanu East, Udenu, and Udi—were carefully chosen to ensure representation from each senatorial district in Enugu State. Atuchukwu expressed optimism that the program’s success would encourage the government to expand it to all 17 LGAs.

“No child should suffer abuse in any community,” he asserted. “We are empowering vigilantes, market leaders, women groups, traditional rulers, and religious figures to take action rather than remain silent.”

Key Objectives of the Training Program

The initiative focuses on:

• Enhancing awareness of child rights and protection laws.
• Providing tools for early detection and intervention in abuse cases.
• Strengthening collaboration between communities and government agencies.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up the Initiative

If successful, the program could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of grassroots involvement in child protection. The Enugu State government has pledged to support further expansions, ensuring that every child in the state grows up in a safe and nurturing environment.

For more details, read the original article on BusinessDay.