by …. As Rev.Otu Emerges Champion Of Anti-Gender Based Violence In Nigeria
The Wife of Cross River State Governor, Rev Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has emerged the champion of anti gender based violence in Nigeria with assurances of supporting the CR Government in fighting Gender-Based Violence.
Otu was given the new status at a stakeholders meeting organized by Gender and Development Action (GADA) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, in Calabar,where Cross River was announced as one of the few states in Nigeria with good record of reduction in Gender-Based violence.
Otu who was represented by her Special Adviser on Programs, Projects and Events, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the recognition of the Wife of Governor as a Gender-Based Violence advocate is a call to action for everyone to work together to end GBV in Nigeria.
She said Cross River State is a leading state in the fight against GBV,adding that the event was an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and share ideas and strategies for making the state and Nigeria a safer place for women and girls.
“For us in Cross River State, we’re leaving no stone unturned in our quest to mitigate GBV. We have enacted laws and set up modalities to checkmate any issue of GBV, and also encourage our women and girls to report violence of any kind.
“I accept the nomination as a Champion of anti-GBV practices in Nigeria and particularly the Niger Delta states and I believe that everyone has the right to live free from violence” she added.
According to data from the National Population Commission, (NPC)38% of Nigerian women have experienced some form of gender-based violence (GBV) from their close associates throughout their lifetimes.
The event had in attendance Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia; Francisca N. Effiom, PM Reducing GBV; Mrs Funke Baruta, Program Officer, Ford Foundation; top Government functionaries; members of Civil Society Organizations (CSO); and Traditional Rulers.
Gender and Development Action (GADA) is a national non-governmental organization (NGO) with almost 30 years of experience in gender and social development issues across Nigeria.
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