Headlines
NAPTIP to establish command in FCT to tackle violence, SGBV cases
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons (NAPTIP) says it is proposing the establishment of a command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to tackle cases of Violence against Persons (VAP).
The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Binta-Adamu Bello, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the 2024 stakeholder’s coordination meeting on implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and corresponding state laws.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was supported by Ford Foundation to commemorate the first day of the 2024 Global 16 Days of Activism, an annual campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
The NAPTIP boss said that the establishment of the FCT command would further solidify the agency’s commitment toward eradicating social menace, especially with the issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the nation’s capital.
According to the NAPTIP boss, it is expected that the command will enhance quicker response to SGBV cases, improve coordination among stakeholders, provide specialised support services for survivors and strengthen investigation and prosecution.
She said that the command would serve as a model for other states and strengthen stakeholders’ collective efforts to eradicate SGBV within the FCT, while inviting the stakeholders’ input and expertise in facilitating the move.
She said “I have strong conviction that we will leave here with renewed vision toward eradicating the ills associated with violence against persons and in turn, make the country safer and more habitable.
“It is gratifying to note that this meeting is holding on the first day of the Global 16 Days of Activism, which is an annual campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
“The theme for this year is “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls”, which resonates with the 30th anniversary review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and platform for action.
“At this point, I must commend the efforts of Ford Foundation for graciously supporting this meeting under the project “Strengthening Government Approach in Preventing and Responding SGBV.”
She reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to work with states, the mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCT and Civil Society Organisations to implement laws that abhor
Violence against women and girls.
Mrs Tolulola Odugbesan, the acting Director, VAP Department, NAPTIP, said that the coordination meeting was an opportunity for stakeholders to connect, proffer guidance, reflect on concerns, review successes and identify gaps.
She added that the meeting was also to discuss challenges, assess the level and effectiveness of intervention efforts and proffer recommendations and far-reaching strategies associated with the implementation of the VAPP Act 2015.
The Plateau Government says it has concluded arrangements to organise free medical care for 200,000 residents.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cletus Shukuk, made the disclosure on Monday in Jos at the official launch of “Project 10 Million; Know Your Number, Control Your Number.”
Shukuk explained that the free medical care was basically screening for hypertension and diabetes, which were non-communicable diseases.
The commissioner stated that the programme was a comprehensive intervention strategically in line with the national campaign of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum to combat the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
According to him, the project would provide immediate counselling and referral and would also link newly diagnosed patients to treatment facilities.
Shurkuk further said that the increased public awareness would be carried out on hypertension and diabetes.
“The project would support the creation of a hypertension and diabetes register and, in turn, improve data collection, which would enhance health care policies and planning.
“The screening will be conducted in the 17 local government areas and will be done in selected primary and secondary health care facilities.
“I wish to call on the people of the state to avail themselves for the screening exercise to enable them to know their blood pressure and blood sugar level status,” he advised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of the governor of Plateau, was made the ambassador of the “project 10 million.”
Mrs Clara Bamisile, the Chairperson, Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State has commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for approving the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.
Bamisile gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Oye-Ekiti on Monday.
She described the governor’s decision as the right step in the right direction towards reducing financial burden for civil servants and making cost of living affordable for them.
According to her, Oyebanji has proved to all Ekiti indigenes that he is a good and compassionate leader, who cares for the wellbeing of his people.
“I want to commend our amiable governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for approving the N70, 000 minimum wage for civil servants in Ekiti.
“He has proved to all Ekiti indigenes that he is worthy, passionate, caring and a good leader, who is ready to make his people happy as we approach yuletide.
“It is a testimony that our governor is ready to make cost of living affordable for our people, and he will not relent to do more if given a chance.”
She urged both Ekiti indigenes and residents to consider Oyebanji for a second term in office to continue his good works.
Bamisile enjoined the civil servants to be diligent in their various departments to justify the salary increment
The Nasarawa State Government has vowed not spare anyone caught perpetrating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) irrespective of the relationship with the victim.
Hajjya Aisha Rufa’i-Ibrahim, Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development stated this at an event to mark the 16-day activism against GBV on Monday in Lafia.
The commissioner said that the action became imperative given the increasing cases of GBV in the state despite the efforts by the government and other stakeholders.
According to her, most times, perpetrators of this type of violence are either relations of the victims or neighbours as well as colleagues.
“When such perpetrators were arrested, oftentimes, family members, friends, and prominent people in the society will try to intervene to help save them from facing the law.
“The state government will be very hard on the perpetrators going forward to serve as a deterrent to others and ensure justice for the victims,” she said.
The Commissioner encouraged survivors and victims, as well as their family members, to always speak out to enable the government to take action against the perpetrators.
She noted that the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration in the state had done a lot towards ensuring the protection of women and children against abuse of any kind.
“We have established a Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital as well as a Shelter Home for victims of GBV.
“We have also activated a free medical treatment for rape victims thereby removing barriers to accessing care and support,” she added.
The commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious leaders, community leaders as well as Non-Governmental Organisations towards the fight against GBV in the state.
She, however, said that more was still needed to be done to strengthen collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.
Rufa’i-Ibrahim called on parents and guardians to empower the girl-child economically, educationally, and politically to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
The commissioner also rolled out the series of activities outlined to create awareness about the danger of abusing and exploiting a person as a result of his or her gender.
“The ministry, in collaboration with partners, will hold community engagement campaigns, rallies, and school outreach programs, among others.
NAPTIP to establish command in FCT to tackle violence, SGBV cases
Plateau to organise free medical care for 200,000 residents
Minimum wage: LG boss lauds Oyebanji for approving N70,000 for workers
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