Earlier today Monday, 1st June, 2026 the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice under the leadership of the ATTORNEY GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE; Uko Udom (SAN), flagged off the 2026 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness campaign with a press briefing at the ministry's Conference Room.
While addressing members of the press and Staff of the Ministry, the attorney general added that June is Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month in the state and it is no coincidence that the flag-off be done in June, because it was in June 2020 that this state took a historic, audacious step: the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
He also added that Six years later, that law is not a dusty document, however, it is a living, breathing instrument of change.
In his words: "This year's theme-"Implementing the AKS VAPP Law: From Awareness to Action"-reminds us that awareness alone is not enough"
"We have moved beyond sensitization. We are now firmly in the era of implementation"
He highlighted that Akwa Ibom State government had established shelters and skill acquisition centres for survivors, created Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to provide free medical and psychosocial services, and set up GBV response units in all 31 local government areas of the state.
The Director of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department and Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State GBV Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette said every gender-based violence case is unique and should be handled according to its peculiar circumstances.
Barr. Ette noted that the committee encourages communities to develop response mechanisms rooted in their customs and traditions, provided they do not conflict with state and federal laws.
She explained that the objective of the law is not only to punish offenders but also to promote rehabilitation and behavioural change where necessary. According to her, there have been instances where accused persons demonstrated good behaviour while awaiting trial.
Barr. Ette, however, called for life imprisonment for rape offenders as a deterrent and expressed concern over a recent spike in rape cases involving children.
She reiterated the committee's commitment to supporting community-driven regulations that align with cultural realities while remaining consistent with existing legal frameworks.
While declaring the Awareness Month Opened, the Attorney General concluded that to survivors listening: they are not alone. Their voices is not a burden; it is a weapon. And we are your army.
"As we raise the flag for this awareness month, let us remember: Justice is not final until it is felt. Our work continues until every survivor feels not just heard, but healed; not just reported, but redeemed."
"I hereby flag off the June 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month."
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