The Commissioner for lnformation and Communications, Hon Kingsley Fanwo, has described Gender Based Violence as an obstacle to societal growth and development.
Hon. Kingsley Fanwo made this known when the Directorate of Gender Based Violence (GBV), Ministry of Justice, paid him a working visit in his office in Lokoja.
Hon Fanwo highlighted that the society must arise to mitigate against GBV because a society that is discriminatory is a society that is not ready for growth, emphasizing that in order to shun GBV, the society must create the environment that enhances equal opportunities to all, regardless of gender, adding that the sensitizations should not be limited to the couples in the society but should be extended to schools to catch them young, to know the dangers in GBV, urging the directorate to use the respected institutions in the society to preach against GBV.
“Every form of discrimination is a psychological violence and our society must not just frown at it, but must be intentional to ensure that people understand the dangers inherent in GBV. I am glad that the directorate is not a pro-feminine body, but has to do with the protection of both genders, creating equal platforms for everyone to thrive because GBV is not peculiar to a particular gender.
We must ensure that we create a lot of sensitisations, awareness and educate the people to identify GBV. A society that is discriminatory is a society that is not ready for growth. So it is not about the point of law, but the point of morality, the point of development, the point of progress and growth and therefore, we would continue to partner with your directorate to ensure that this commitments are realized.” Hon Fanwo promised.
Speaking further, Hon Fanwo reiterated the commitment and belief of His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo in both genders, especially the women, describing him as a Governor that believes in equity and equality of all genders. assuring that His Excellency, would always support their initiatives at mitigating GBV in the society adding that Governor Ododo is committed to fairness, justice, equity and a society that respects the rights of the weak and the strength of the poor.
He assured the directorate of the ministry’s full support in using the media houses, e.g the Radio Kogi, The Graphic, Kogi Strides Magazines, The highly rated state website, the social media and others to disseminate the information to the nooks and crannies of the state and even beyond.
The Director of the Directorate of GBV, Barrister Stanley Atule in his speech, commended His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and commitment towards the giant infrastructural developments in the state, appealing to the ministry for support to ensure proper enlightenment on how to mitigate GBV.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Yakubu Abdul, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of proper sensitisations on how to mitigate GBV stressing that GBV is a critical issue that should be well tackled.
The Deputy Director of the Directorate of GBV defined GBV as “any violent act that is committed against any person, whether male or female because of that person’s gender,” appealing for the ministry’s support in taking the awareness against GBV to the public
