On February 6th, 2025, we gathered to honour the life and legacy of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma on what would have been his 59th birthday. In keeping with his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF) partnered with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) to host a compelling discussion on access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the role of the police and media in ensuring accountability.
Innocent Chukwuma was deeply passionate about addressing gender-based violence, not merely because he was married to a feminist, but because he embraced feminism himself.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Mrs. Josephine Chukwuma, Executive Chair of ICCEF, and Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of WSCIJ, as well as a speech from Nkechi Chukwuma, the youngest child of Innocent. They all recounted Innocent’s remarkable legacy, his selflessness, and his unwavering commitment to driving positive change.
The event featured presentations from distinguished speakers: ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a seasoned police officer and public relations expert; Titiola Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency; Juliana Francis, Publisher at Security News Alerts; and Samuel Akpologun, a legal practitioner and policy advocate.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
During the two-hour webinar, insightful conversations emerged on the systemic barriers to justice for survivors and the critical role of the police and media in breaking these barriers. Some key takeaways included:
- Justice Begins with Proper Investigation – Court rulings can only be fair and just if thorough investigations are conducted, with accurate evidence presented in the right format. Justice is not simply won in the courtroom; it starts with competent and professional policing.
- Challenges of Professionalism in Law Enforcement – A significant barrier to effective SGBV response is the frequent transfer of specially trained officers, leading to gaps in expertise and a lack of continuity in handling cases.
- Training and Retraining of Officers – To enhance the police response to SGBV cases, continuous professional development is essential. Officers must be equipped with the skills necessary to handle sensitive cases appropriately.
- Ethical and Investigative Journalism – Journalists play a vital role in shaping public perception of SGBV. There is a need to shift from sensational reporting to investigative journalism that prioritises survivor protection, especially for child victims and women whose safety could be compromised by exposure.
- Collaboration Between Police and Media – Rather than viewing each other as adversaries, the police and media should work together to ensure that survivors receive justice. Transparency and accountability in reporting are crucial in holding perpetrators accountable.
- An Integrated and Tech-Driven Response – A swift response to SGBV cases demands stakeholder collaboration and tech-driven case tracking.
Additionally, the event received goodwill messages from various esteemed individuals and organisations, including the Mbaise People’s Congress, Omano Edihegie, Mr. Peter Maduoma, Mrs. Ngozi Iwere (Founder, Community Life Project), Ms. Etemore Glover (CEO, Impact Investors Foundation), Oreva (Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Chair & Fellowship, LBS), Dr. Otive Igbuzor (Founding Executive Director, CENTRE LSD), and Dr. Kole Shettima (McArthur Foundation).
This discussion was a fitting tribute to Innocent Chukwuma’s legacy, honouring his unwavering commitment to justice, gender equality, and social impact. As we celebrate his posthumous birthday, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing his work, advocating for systemic reforms, and fostering a society where gender-based violence is confronted head-on. His legacy remains a guiding light in the fight for justice, equality, and human dignity.
KEEP RESTING ON, Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma.
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