BICD, UNFPA mobilise Benue LG chairmen to tackle GBV
… As ALGON gives nod
By Bridget Ikyado Tikyaa
The Benue State Government through the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has mobilised the 23 local government chairmen in the state to join the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), in order to tackle the menace at the grassroots.
The one-day parley with the 23 LG chairmen was part of the 16 days of activism conducted yearly to create awareness on GBV.
The 2024 campaign has the theme “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
In a goodwill message, Governor Hyacinth Alia affirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating GBV through comprehensive legal frameworks, survivor support services. and collaboration with key partners, including NGOs and civil societies.
He said the intervention was to foster a safer and equitable Benue state for all residents.
The Director General, BICD, Leo- Angelo Viashima, told newsmen that during the 16 days of activism, the state government will collaborate with organisations to put frameworks in place towards stamping out GBV.
He said the government stands with GBV survivors, will ensure such behaviours are not allowed in the state, and perpetrators face justice.
Leo-Angelo said Governor Alia has recently demonstrated his commitment to ending GBV when he signed the disability bill into law, assuring that all efforts will be made to eliminate GBV in the state.
He said that the involvement of local government chairmen is for them to take the advocacy to the grassroots by establishing local platforms across the 23 LGAs to deepen the campaign against GBV in Benue state.
“We want to begin to see a change. The wives of the chairmen, as mother, should champion this crusade in their respective communities to rid the state of GBV,” he added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Denen Aondakaa, appreciated the organizers and promised that the discussions would not end in Makurdi, but would be taken down to the local governments.
He also to co-opt the traditional institution in the sensitisation campaign against GBV.
Similarly, Maurice Orwough, the state Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who is also the Chairman of Guma LGA, said the association will ensure that all the 23 LG chairmen establish a GBV center, not just for advocacy but also to provide psychosocial support for the victims.
He assured that their wives will feature prominently in the campaign, just as there will be strong partnerships with stakeholders to end GBV at the grassroots.
“For us at the LG, the message has been preached and an assignment has been given. We will take the messages to the grassroots and we will be working with our wives to ensure that platforms are registered and established to tackle this challenge,” the ALGON chairman added.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s respect and support for LG autonomy in the state has paved way for development and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
Earlier, ALGON deputy chairman, who is also the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, identified insecurity and drug abuse as major factors fueling GBV in his locality, and called for massive enlightenment to nip it in the bud.
He decried lack of advocacy at the LG level saying there was need to strengthen advocacy and awareness and also called for the establishment of gender desk offices, with professionals employed to handle the desks in all local government areas.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, a Sexual Reproductive Health Analyst, Dr Hamira Welye called for more collaboration and capacity building to equip all stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to properly fight GBV.
The event had in attendance, Gubernatorial Liaison Officers led by Philips Achuah, who commended BICD and UNFPA for organising the advocacy, describing it as apt and timely, and called on all citizens to support the campaign, as well as the programmes and policies of Governor Hyacinth Alia administration.
