By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Miss Chinonye Achugbue, entrepreneur and founder of the Chinonye Smile Care Initiative, was honoured at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Asaba, where she delivered a powerful advocacy message on the protection and empowerment of the girl-child.
Achugbue, one of the award recipients at the event, used the platform to draw attention to persistent challenges affecting children, particularly the need for early moral reorientation and respect between genders as a pathway to building a just and inclusive society.
The event, organised by the Mother’s Excellence Recognition Award (MERA) in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, brought together policymakers, women leaders, and stakeholders under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.”
In her address, Achugbue emphasised that societal change must begin with how boys and girls are raised, stressing the importance of mutual respect from an early age.
“The voice of the girl-child must be respected by the boy-child to bring about a sense of coexistence,” she said.
She further advocated for early legal and moral awareness among young boys as a strategy to curb abuse and exploitation.
“If a boy from the age of 12 understands that by 18, engaging in sexual relations with a minor will lead to imprisonment, it will help curb abuse and exploitation,” she added.
Drawing from nearly a decade of experience through her initiative, Achugbue lamented the recurring nature of abuse affecting young people, describing it as a systemic issue requiring urgent attention.
“For nine years, the challenges have remained the same—sexual and emotional abuse. This shows that it is no longer incidental; it is a systemic issue that must be addressed with urgency,” she stated.
She also highlighted the often-overlooked emotional and psychological vulnerabilities of children, noting that neglect in this area continues to expose them to manipulation and exploitation.
“One of the key issues is that we have not paid enough attention to the emotional and psychological experiences of children, which often makes them vulnerable to abuse,” she explained.
Her advocacy, grounded in community engagement and practical experience, reinforced the need for stronger policies, increased awareness, and grassroots-driven interventions to protect children.
The event also celebrated outstanding women whose contributions continue to impact society, with Achugbue recognised alongside four others for her role in human capital development, child protection, and community advancement.
The Wife of the Delta State Governor, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by Dr. Josephine Emu, called for deliberate and sustained action to uplift women and girls, emphasising the need for access to education, economic opportunities, and justice.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing women’s welfare and addressing gender-based violence.
Founder of the Ideal Women Initiative, PST Mrs. Bridget Affiah, urged stakeholders to translate advocacy into measurable outcomes, particularly in education, healthcare, and legal protection for the girl-child.
Participants described the event as impactful, noting that Achugbue’s message stood out as a timely reminder of the urgent need to address systemic issues affecting children.
The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Asaba reinforced a central message—empowering and protecting the girl-child remains critical to achieving sustainable development and lasting social progress.
