Background & Demography

Eka-Awoke Autonomous Community, located in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, is a rural settlement known for its strong cultural heritage and communal values. Like many communities in the region, poverty, cultural norms, and limited access to education have contributed to high rates of child early and forced marriage as well as domestic servitude—often robbing children, especially girls, of their right to education, safety, and a future of dignity.

The Problem

Before intervention, many children from Eka-Awoke were sent away for domestic work or married off at a young age under informal arrangements. These practices not only exposed them to exploitation, abuse, and neglect but also perpetuated cycles of poverty and inequality. There was no formal tracking system for the movement of children, making accountability difficult and leaving them vulnerable.

The Turning Point

Following the High-Level Policy Briefing on Ending Child Marriage and Domestic Servitude in Ebonyi State held in April 2025, the African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) Ebonyi State Chapter, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), paid a follow-up courtesy visit to the Traditional Ruler of Eka-Awoke, HRH Eze Oliver Eze, on 17th May 2025.

During the visit, AFJN presented the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Community Monitoring System (CMS) framework—strategic tools designed to regulate child apprenticeship, monitor the welfare of children, and ensure accountability.

Achievements & Commitments

- Official Adoption of the MOU: HRH Eze Oliver Eze formally approved the MOU for use across all villages under Eka-Awoke.
- Directive for Full Implementation: The Traditional Ruler instructed all cabinet members, village heads, and community leaders to ensure strict compliance.
- Community Monitoring System Established: A registration and documentation process for all children leaving the community for apprenticeship or domestic work was approved.
- Pledge for Awareness Campaigns: The Traditional Ruler committed to raising awareness across the community and encouraging other leaders to follow suit.

Impact

This decisive action by Eka-Awoke Community has set a powerful precedent for other communities in Ebonyi State. With the MOU and CMS in place, the risk of child exploitation will significantly reduce, while ensuring that children remain in safe, supportive environments that prioritize their education and well-being.

Quote from the Traditional Ruler

“We must know where our children are, with who, and for what purpose. Let us join hands to protect and give proper direction to our future hopes, my good people of Eka-Awoke Kingdom.” – HRH Eze Oliver Eze

Lessons Learned

- Traditional Leaders as Catalysts: When traditional rulers take ownership, community compliance is faster and more sustainable.
- Policy Briefing Follow-up is Crucial: Direct follow-up visits turn policy discussions into concrete community action.

Recommendations

- Scale up this approach to other LGAs, prioritizing communities with high rates of child exploitation.
- Provide ongoing training and resources to ensure the effective implementation of MOUs and CMS.
- Engage youth and women leaders as co-monitors to strengthen community surveillance.