Elechi advises victims of rape to report ordeal

The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Josephine Elechi, has advised people of the state to always report rape and other violent acts against women to relevant authorities.
Elechi gave the advice in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital,  on Saturday as part of activities marking this year’s Valentine Day.
The activities, which started on Friday, included a visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria, traditional rulers, the judiciary, media establishments and workshops.
Elechi said that only severe sanction such as imprisonment would deter people from engaging in unwholesome acts against women in the society.
According to her, rape, child trafficking and labour among others, can only be eradicated in the society if the various laws, which stipulate penalties for perpetrators, are strictly enforced.
“I, therefore, call on relevant authorities in the society to ensure that these measures are strictly enforced to combat these social ills against women,” she said.
She called on youths to be agents of change as society was looking on to them to redefine it and make it habitable for all.
“I call on youths to practice agape love which St. Valentine and other saints preached and practiced during their sojourn on earth,” Elechi said.
The Chairman of CAN in Ebonyi State, Rev. Emmanuel Nshi, said the occasion was unique as Elechi used it to extend the messages of love and hope to the people.
Nshi said: “CAN will not relent in its efforts in preaching against moral ills in the society and for people to repent from their evil ways and do well.”
Dr. Agustine Nwazunku, the Executive Secretary of the State Action Committee on Aids, advised the people, especially the youths, against indulging in pre-marital sex.
“Valentine Day does not call for indulgence in sexual promiscuity due to the ravaging effects of HIV and AIDS on the society,” Nwazunku said.
Chinyere Nwanoke, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Valentine Day, said secondary school students in the state were enlightened on the dangers of indulging in reckless sex.
Angela Uzoh, one of the students who participated in the workshop, said she was better equipped to resist the peer pressure of indulging in pre-marital sex.
The themes of this year’s event in the state were: Dangerous Effects of HIV/AIDS on Youths, Consequences of Rape, Creating a Fistula-Free Generation, and Effects of Hard Drugs on the Future of the Youths.