By Osemwegie Peace Temisan
The Edo State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Umar-Musa Ikhilor, has reiterated the State Governments commitments to collaborating with the Federal Government and international organizations in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Barr. Ikhilor gave the assurance at the grand finale of the year 2024 “16 Days of Activism” against GBV, which held at the New Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City.
To achieve a GBV free society, the SSG said the Edo State Government seeks collaboration with state and non-state actors, including traditional and religious institutions to raise awareness in condemning GBV and harmful cultural practices. He noted that in year 2023, 85,000 women and girls globally, lost their lives to GBV, with Africa leading the statistics.
Barr. Ikhilo highlighted the institutional frameworks, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and a shelter for sexually assaulted victims, which the State Government has put in place as commitments towards combating GBV in the State.
He said, “Change is a process and that is why we will continue to promote awareness until it gets to the grassroot and people are drawn into the awareness and begin to act appropriately”.
The functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Joy Ihensenkien, emphasized the need for collective action to end GBV in the State. She charged policy makers to prioritize protective frameworks for the vulnerable and punishment for perpetrators; community leaders to dismantle harmful traditions and champion safe spaces; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and activists, to amplify silenced voices and sustain advocacy efforts.
Mrs. Ihensenkien concluded that ending GBV is a personal responsibility, which requires individual choices, actions, and words to uphold dignity in the society.
In a goodwill message, the Edo State Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Mr. Omokhodion Imonitien, noted that the Conference served as a call to action, urging stakeholders, including the Government, to prioritize State Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention and response. He said, “With the new administration in place, RoLAC seeks an opportunity to renew efforts and realign priorities”.
Hartland Alliance Ltd. in a good will message by the Senior State Programme Manager, Dr. Eddichukwu Roderick, commended the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues for its leadership roles in combating GBV, stating that the 16 Days of Activism campaign amplified voices and inspired action; laying the groundwork for transformative change. He pledged solidarity to strengthen partnerships, advocate for survivors, and invest in sustainable solutions.
The State Coordinator, International Organization for Migration (IOM), represented by Aigbeze Uhimwen, reassured of its Organisation’s commitment to supporting meaningful projects that ensures the dream of a GBV-free society is actualized.
The Keynote Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko, virtually gave a brief rundown of GBV interventions in Edo State, its achievements, sustainability and its future plans. According to her, the plans include the creation of more shelters for victims of GBV and pleaded with various stakeholders to step up their response system, which will encourage more persons to will be willing to speak up.
A five-man panel was organized for deliberation on how to achieve the “Edo of Our Dreams: Renewing the Commitments to End Violence Against Women and Girls’’. The Panel consisted of a representative of key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Police, Traditional Institution, the Ministry of Justice, the Edo State Manager of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria.
In the course of the deliberation, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, C. P. Iwo Remi, represented by the Officer in Charge of Gender Issues, Priscilla Ndudi, sought for synergy among stakeholders and urged victims to ensure that prompt reports are made to avoid contamination of evidence which is needed for prosecution and justice.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards by the Functioning First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, to outstanding individuals and organisations, who have made remarkable differences in the crusade against GBV in the State. Receivers of the awards were the Deputy Speaker, Rt, Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Edeko; Echoes of Women in Africa, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Josemari Esccriva Foundation, Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Foundation, and Society for the Empowerment of Women and Children (SOTHAWACA).
