By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Women of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, have condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa, calling on South African youths to reject violence and uphold peaceful coexistence in the spirit of African unity.
The position was contained in the presidential address delivered by the Leader of the Diocese on the Niger Women’s Ministry, Dr. Nonyelum Elsie Nwokolo, during the Diocesan Women’s Conference held on July 11 at Immanuel Anglican Church, Inland Town, Onitsha.
The women expressed concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the attacks, while reminding South Africans of the support many African nations provided during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The conference raised concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security situation, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and violence against women and children.
It called on governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, equip security agencies and address the underlying causes of insecurity such as unemployment, poverty, drug abuse and corruption.
On human trafficking, the women described the exploitation of women and children as a major humanitarian challenge, urging stricter enforcement of existing laws, effective prosecution of traffickers and improved rehabilitation and support systems for survivors.
The conference appealed to the Federal Government to make cooking gas more affordable by encouraging increased local production and ensuring stable pricing mechanisms.
The women commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for ongoing developmental projects in the state. They, however, appealed for the construction of feeder roads, pedestrian walkways along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, and an overhead bridge at the accident-prone Upper Iweka axis.
The event attracted government officials, business leaders and christian faithful from within and outside Anambra State.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
