By Divine Sam
Akwa Ibom Governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel on Tuesday awarded the Village head of Atan Offot, Uyo LGA His Highness (Eteidung) Idongesit Ekong as Positive Role Model and Advocate against Gender Based Violence.
Chief Ekong who is the Vice Chairman, Offot Ukwa traditional Council of Chief, Uyo , Akwa Ibom State received the appointment as part of his meritorious effort and contributions to curb restiveness among youths especially the male gender.
Performing the inauguration which took place on Tuesday, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, the Governor’s wife who doubles as the Chairperson of the Committee, said the Male Advocates Group are carefully examined men of proven integrity and track record who will help amplify the message against sexual and gender based violence in the state.
Mrs. Emmanuel, in her speech identified violence against women as a pandemic not just against women but humanity, said it was time for all irrespective of status and age to rise and take action against the perpetrators of the dastardly acts.
She added that the committee under her leadership will not rest on its oars, but will continually work to ensure that the state is rid of all forms of abuse against persons whether male or female.
The governor’s wife while reading the riot act to perpetrators of gender based crimes in the state, stated that the law is no respecter of person and that anyone found culpable must be ready to face the consequences.
Reacting to the appointment the mornach expressed delight at the governor’s wife vociferous campaign against gender based violence in the state, promising to join hands to fight the monstrous acts.