The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Onono Onimisi Foundation (OOF), Onono Onimisi Rafatu, has lauded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for reigniting the fight for justice in the case of 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after years of alleged sexual abuse.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had expressed shock on Instagram over reports that the accused persons in the case had been discharged and acquitted.
In her post, she urged the family of the late Ochanya to submit a formal petition to her office at the National Assembly, enabling her to pursue justice on their behalf.
“Years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” the senator lamented.
She added, “The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Room 2:05 Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya.”
Ochanya’s death in October 2018, caused by complications linked to Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), sparked nationwide outrage and birthed the social media campaign #JusticeForOchanya, which demanded accountability and stronger child protection laws.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Onono Onimisi praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage and empathy, describing her action as “a message to every young girl that their pain matters.”
She said, “Senator Natasha’s decision to revisit Ochanya’s case wasn’t just an act of justice; it was a wake-up call to the nation that women’s voices in leadership are not ornamental — they are transformational.”
According to her, supporting women strengthens society and creates a chain of courage that “defies silence and fear.”
“As we continue to advocate for gender balance in governance, Natasha’s example remains a powerful reminder that empowering women is not about numbers; it’s about nurturing leadership that refuses to look away when others suffer,” Onimisi added.
She noted that the senator’s move transcended politics, describing it as a reflection of “what happens when women lead with empathy and conscience.”
