Nigeria: The administration of Edo state is witnessing a significant increase in incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). To combat the situation, the authorities are making efforts to sensitise yougsters on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
The Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues has engaged with leaders and residents of Owan East and Esan Central LGA for the initiative. They believe that this would be a way to end the menace of GBV in the State.
The one-day awareness campaign is tagged, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”. The initiative featured sensitisation on the provisions of the VAPP Law across the State.
The Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Christabel Omoh Ekwu, spoke at the advocacy and sensitization programme. She said the campaigns are aimed at accelerating the elimination of violence against persons and other related ills in the State.
The Commissioner declared, “We have convened this meeting to raise awareness and to tell you about the efforts the administration is putting into the legal framework of the (VAPP) Law in order to effectively address social ills across the State. I am pleased to inform you that the VAPP Law is available to the general public, it is very clear and simple.”
Ekwu informed the people on the need to report any related crimes at the earliest opportunity. She added that fighting gender-based violence is a collective responsibility of the government and the people.
Responding, the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, Paul Iyona, decried all forms of gender-based violence. He added that the VAPP Law will be implemented in the Local Government.
The Chairman of Owan East local Government Council, Aminu kadiri Okodo, pledged his support to bring perpetrators of gender-based violence to justice. Additionally, He encouraged those involved in such act to desist from it. He cautioned that the law will take its due course when they are caught.
Traditional and religious leaders, market women as well as youths present at the event were urged to be committed to the campaign in order to make the society free from all forms of gender-based violence.