The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Lagos Zonal Command – Ganiu Alao Aganran has reiterated the Agency’s commitment in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
The Zonal Commander who was represented by the Head of RPD Unit of the Command – NADI-Afolabi Sunday Oloyede, made this known at the launch of a publication on sexual and gender-based violence and service providers in Lagos State during a commemoration of the 2020 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
He stated that violence against women was a violation of human rights.
The Zonal Commander expressed appreciation to Project Alert for their contribution in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
He stated that the publication was quite commendable as it would not only provide necessary information for people to seek remedy and redress when they suffer sexual and gender-based violence but would also serve as a veritable tool for awareness raising.
Further, he stated that during the COVI-D 19 lockdown the Agency received a lot of cases on gender-based violence, which was an indication of the reality of the crime.
He stated that the Agency under the leadership of the Director General – Dame Julie Okah-Donli, was working tirelessly in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, highlighting the Sexual Offenders Register it launched.
He called for a concerted effort in the fight adding that the government cannot do it alone..
The programme, which was organized by Project Alert on violence against women was held at the Golf View Suites and Conference Centre, GRA, Ikeja.
It was attended by representatives from NAPTIP, NPF, Lagos Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, members of sexual and gender-based violence surveillance team from nine Local Government Areas in Lagos State and the media.
Executive Director of Project Alert – Dr Josephine Effah Chukwuma, in her welcome remarks, called on everyone to join in the fight against sexual gender-based violence.
She stated that this year’s commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism with the theme: “Orange the World – Fund, Prevent and Collect” was very special as the United Nations and European Union jointly funded a project known as “Spotlight Initiative.”
She added that the project was aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.
She expressed optimism that the participants at the end of the programme would become more committed in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
The Senior Special Assistant on Women Affairs to the Lagos State Governor – Mrs Fumi Adegoke, representing the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs in her own goodwill message, stated that the Lagos government had a zero tolerance for violence against women.
She thanked Project Alert for organizing the programme and her support services in the State.
The highlight of the occasion was the launch of the publication by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Women Affairs.
Guests and participants on the occasion were given copies of the publication for use.
Members of the surveillance teams on sexual and gender-based violence set up in nine Local Government Areas of Lagos State by Project Alert under the Spotlight Initiative project were formally presented at the programme.
They took turns to share their experiences on their activities/cases they have handled.
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