Connect with us

News

We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu

Published

on

We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu

By: Michael Mike

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has acknowledged that with the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls, Lagos State had made significant progress in creating a society where every woman and girl in the state could live free from violence and discrimination.

She said at the close-out and hand-over of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls to the Lagos State Government, that: “Through our combined efforts, we have made significant progress in creating a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.”

The ceremony held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja was attended by senior government officials and other critical stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations, Secondary School students, among others.

According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs, Mrs Motolani Ladipo, Lagos State has witnessed the power of collaboration and transformative potential in ending gender-based violence since the launch of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in 2019.

She disclosed that: “Lagos State with the support of UN women, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNICEF under the Spotlight project, witnessed interventions in several areas of governance including laws and policies focusing on access to justice for survivors of gender based violence.”

The First Lady expressed her belief in the power of collective action, emphasising the importance of addressing the root causes of violence against women and girls. “With a strong commitment to prevention, protection, and ensuring access to essential services, the partnership with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative is paving the way for a future where no woman or girl is left behind in Lagos State,” she added.

Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ms Cecelia Bolaji Dada, while highlighting notable achievements and significant milestones of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in Lagos State, stated that the bolstering of essential services including the establishment of virtual clinics at the height of COVID19 pandemic; Strengthening access to justice for survivors of GBV; Amplifying the voices of women groups, livelihood empowerment support for over 300 GBV survivors; and the creation of the GBV Situation Room which has helped in generating disaggregated data on GBV cases which in turn, reflected on the National Dashboard and in the National Bureau of Statistics reports.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, emphasised the pivotal role the Judiciary plays in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination in Lagos State.

Speaking through Hon. Justice Abiola Soladoye, he highlighted the importance of breaking the silence surrounding GBV and encouraged survivors to seek justice without fear.

“Gender-Based Violence should not be ignored, and when reported, victims should not hesitate to come forward”. He explained, “The police is also involved with the judiciary in helping to curb the cases of GBV.”

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, emphasised the commitment of the Assembly to combat all forms of violence against women and girls.

Represented by Hon. Princess Omolara Oyekan, the Speaker emphasised, “The House of Assembly does not take any form of violence against women and girls lightly in any way. The establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency stands out as a pivotal move in the House’s dedication to eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”.

He added that the legislative efforts of the Lagos State House of Assembly in passing laws for the protection of women and girls had elevated agencies like the Lagos State Sexual and Domestic Violence Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs to stand tall among their counterparts.

We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

Published

on

Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.

According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.

The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.

Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.

The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.

Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.

Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

Continue Reading

News

Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

Published

on

Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.

During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.

The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.

Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.

Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

Continue Reading

News

Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

Published

on

Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 4 Operation Enduring Peace have launched efforts to track down Berom Militia following an attack on cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress report at about 5:12 p.m. on May 23 concerning an attack on cattle belonging to a local herder identified as Alhaji Tambari at Gassa village.

According to the sources, the cattle were grazing in the area when the attackers struck and fled before the arrival of security personnel.

Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that one cow had been shot dead during the incident.

The Berom militia were said to have escaped from the area before security operatives arrived.

Troops have since intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack while patrols have been heightened within the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.

Security authorities reiterated the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in communities across Plateau State.

Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights