South-East King Breaks Cultural Taboos to Tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Drug Abuse in New Documentary

A newly released documentary from the WABMA Foundation is drawing national attention to the remarkable story of reform led by a traditional ruler in southeastern Nigeria.

The documentary titled “Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” captures the courageous leadership of His Royal Majesty, Eze G.C. Onwuka, as he breaks cultural taboos to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), drug abuse, and oppressive widowhood practices in Umutowe Autonomous Community, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.

The 19-minute documentary blends gripping visuals with firsthand testimonies from survivors, community members, and the king himself.

Once a place where women were excluded from land ownership, widows were oppressed, and drug abuse among youth was rampant, Umutowe is now undergoing a quiet transformation — driven by one king’s vision of justice, dignity, and inclusion.

“Those things we were practicing before, we don’t practice them now in this community,” says Eze Onwuka in the film.

“The changes are manifesting in their own way. Most of these problems come from lack of education — that’s why we have to educate them.”

Produced under the WABMA Foundation’s SGBV advocacy program and supported by the Ford Foundation, the documentary tells the stories of:

A woman Vice President General (PG) appointed into the king’s cabinet;
A rape survivor’s family that found legal justice with palace backing;
A widow freed from degrading rites and provided support;

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Youths now feeling safer due to the impact of the king’s community security initiative.

“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” is now available for public viewing on YouTube at:

The documentary will also feature in ongoing community engagement screenings, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and SGBV policy dialogues across Abia State and the Southeast region.

WABMA Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by investing in community-based education and empowering the next generation to become change agents in their schools and communities.