From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo has reaffirmed her determination and commitment to intensifying campaigns against all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

Ododo gave the assurance at a program organised to commemorate the 2024 16 Days Activism and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, over the weekend, at Banquet Hall, Government House Lokoja.

The theme of the event is: “We Stand Against Gender Based Violence, Every Woman Deserves A Future”.

The first lady gave her assurances to continue to fight for the course of Kogi women and girls, emphasising the need to be collectively responsible to find a lasting solution to GBV in the country.

She expressed the readiness of her office to partner with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to combat violence against women and girls in Kogi.

The governor’s wife enjoined the women not to be intimidated but to always use decorum to address their issues of concern in order to guide against avoidable violence.

According to her, violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world, expressing her determination to take the campaigns across the state.

Ododo commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for their efforts towards improving the wellbeing of women and girls in Kogi and the entire nation.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor’s Wife, Margaret Salifu oyibo, described GBV as not only women’s issues but a societal issue that required joint actions to create a safe environment for all to thrive.

She stressed the need to ensure zero tolerance to any kind of violence towards creating a brighter future for women and girls in the state.

On her part, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Momoh, restated that GBV are pervasive and demand serious attention.

The Commissioner stated reports had shown that about 140 women are killed every day, and one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Momoh restated the readiness of Kogi Government under the leadership of Gov Ahmed Ododo, to create equal opportunities for women, while recognising their rights in the society.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, stressed the need for men to be jointly involved in fighting violence against women and girls.

Jones charged all the relevant stakeholders to join hands with the ministry in its bid to stem the growing trend of bullying in schools, which had resulted in some children to drop out of school.

The State Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nuhu Muhammad Musa, appreciated her Excellency for the opportunity to be part of the 16 days activism, and promised the commission’s readiness to work for the overall protection of women and girls in Kogi.

Other stakeholders at the event such as the wife of Anthony General and Commissioner for Justice, Princess Kareemat Abdullahi; Omeiza Oluwakemi Usman, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), urged women to speak out whenever they experience any form GBV or against their wards.