Rivers intensifies efforts to reduce GBV with new initiative

The Rivers State government has reaffirmed its determination to tackle gender-based violence and aims to reduce its prevalence to between 5 and 10 per cent.

Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Ilamu Arugu, said this during a meeting with heads of the sub-committee on gender-based violence prevention in the state.

Arugu expressed gratitude to the committee’s coordinator, Evelyn Asimiea Membere, and her team for their selfless efforts and level of cooperation, emphasizing that their work is about protecting the people and ensuring their safety.

He stated, “This is not about compensation; it’s about protecting our people and their safety. Our ministry will do everything humanly possible to ensure Rivers State is not left behind in curbing this menace.

“I have His Excellency, the governor’s mandate to treat this issue and will send my report to him based on my interface with you. Our aim is not only to meet Action AID’s guidelines but to create a long-lasting impact within our communities.

He expressed optimism that their expertise and commitment will enable them to navigate the challenges of GBV, in the course of discharging the set assignment.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on GVB prevention, who is also the head of the Office of the Public Defender in the state, Evelyn Asimiea Membere, said their visit was to seek the ministry’s support and introduce themselves to the commissioner at a closer range.

Furthermore, the visit also was to inform him of the progress of work done so far, since his ministry is the foundation on which the project can thrive.

Membere stated that after their inauguration by the commissioner, four sub-committees were set up, namely: Advocacy, Support Services, Information and Awareness, adding that traditional rulers/religious leaders are to drive the project as well.

She also disclosed plans by the state-led committee to launch an outreach program in the coming weeks at some communities in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of the state, aimed at educating the local communities on GBV issues, especially female genital mutilation.

The Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on GVB prevention further said the committee will work with the local leaders to ensure the initiative resonates at the grassroots level.

She further stated that the committee plans to host a 16-Day Activism event in November, convening 150 key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on GBV issues in Rivers State.

She enthused, “Approximately, N5 million has been allocated to cover outreach activities, advocacy, and support services for GBV survivors.”

She added that despite budget adjustments, the committee is committed to maintaining core components of the outreach, including public sensitization through radio, television jingles, and community-led meetings.

The committee, funded by Action-Aid Nigeria, comprises key stakeholders from various ministries, faith-based organizations, and traditional institutions. Their focus is to create a long-lasting impact within communities, ensuring that every woman and girl in Rivers State lives free of gender-based violence.