By Uchenna Ugwu
The Ebonyi Government has reiterated its commitment in ensuring protection of human rights of vulnerable persons in the state.
Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma, the new Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, made the assertion, while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki on Monday.
Nwankpuma said the government would improve on programmes that would protect the general well-being of the vulnerable.
She revealed plan of massive sensitisation and awareness creation across the state on human rights, existing laws, burden on trafficking among other harmful practices.
According to her, the exercise will go through community leaders, religious groups at the grassroots level to enlighten the general public.
She noted that Gov. Francis Nwifuru had charged official of the ministry to refine activities.
She added that the wife of the governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wanted the interest of women and children to be protected and committed to impact good governance in the state.
The official commissioner also promised to tackle cases of gender-based violence, rape and other harmful practices in the state.
She said: “We are partners in progress. The governor has good package for women.
“This government is out to work and protect the interest of women at all levels and ensure that dividends of democracy get to the people.
“The ministry will also ensure that programmes of the governor gets to the grassroot level. The issue of rape and gender based violence will be tackled as the proper things will be done.
“The ministry is also ready to take up it responsibility to better the society and ensure that the vulnerable ones are not left out.
She, however called on the general public to report cases for prompt intervention and justice to be served.
Mr Godwin Igwe, the Director Child Department, said that core units in the ministry would be involved in the awareness campaign against all forms of violence.
Igwe stated that social workers would be in the field to ensure the aims were achieved.
Mrs Veronica Ikele, the Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, added that women at the rural areas would be adequately represented and be beneficiaries of the administration.