The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani has reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo led administration in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), recognizing its adverse impact on the State’s growth and development.
Making this reaffirmation during a two day programme for Edo State Gender Based Violence Management Committee on GBV prevention and response in Edo State, organized by the Edo State Government in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Mrs. Anani, who was represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, emphasized the State Government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of Gender-Based Violence, which disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in situations of migration and displacement.
According to her, “Gender-Based Violence remains one of the most urgent challenges of our time, especially as it intersects with migration and displacement. Women and girls are most vulnerable facing exploitation, abuse and trauma. In Edo State, we are all familiar with these realities and we are determined to respond with courage and concrete action”.
She emphasized the importance of the training in strengthening partnerships and empowering women and girls through concerted efforts and decisive action.
”This workshop is timely as it strengthens partnership between Governments, International Organizations like the International Organization for Migration and Local actors. I hope that we lead this workshop with direct ideas, with clear action and we make concerted efforts to make women and girls safer and more empowered”. She said.
The Coordinator further reiterated her Office’s dedication to combating Gender-Based Violence through legislative reforms, establishment of safe spaces, awareness campaigns and economic empowerment initiatives, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration in driving initiatives that safeguard women and girls and address migration-related challenges.
In her remark, the Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, commended the International Organization for Migration for organizing the training program, lauding the facilitators for their expertise and commitment. She reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting vulnerable groups through robust laws, policies and collaborative stakeholder efforts.
Chief Idaomi encouraged participants to utilize the knowledge and skills got from the training to strengthen coordinated response and prevention efforts, creating a supportive environment for survivors and promoting accountability to end violence. According to her, “I encourage us to take full advantage of the knowledge and skills that will be shared in this training, and to use them to strengthen our coordinated response and prevention efforts across the adult state. Together, we can create an environment where survivors are supported, can be trained to be accountable, and violence in all its forms is no longer tolerated”.
On her part, the Protection Officer for IOM, Chibalani Katungu, noted that leaders and decision-makers have a vital role in preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence, influencing policies, driving institutional change and ensuring survivors receive timely and dignified support, as GBV affects human rights, community resilience, development and security.
In her words, “It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the critical role each of you plays in preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence. As leaders and decision-makers, your influence is essential in shaping policies, driving institutional change and ensuring that survivors have access to timely and dignified support. GBV is not only a violation of human rights, but it also undermines community resilience, development, and security”.
She also emphasized that addressing Gender-Based Violence Violence is crucial in Edo State due to migration dynamics and vulnerabilities, noting that the training would explore core concepts, root causes and strategies to strengthen prevention and support, aiming to reinforce Edo State’s leadership in protecting vulnerable populations.
The training programme featured insightful presentations from Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko, former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, alongside other seasoned facilitators. Topics covered included GBV Laws, root causes, contributing factors, mental health and psychosocial impact of GBV, among others.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
7th Left: the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi; 8th Left: the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor; Middle: former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko;
8th Right: Protection Officer, IOM, Chibalani Katongo and other stakeholders, present at the GBV Management Committee training programme, held at the John odigie oyegun Public Service Academy, JOOPSA, Benin City.
