By Adedayo Adeleye
The Nigerian Governors’ Wives have vowed to be vigilant in implementing Gender-Bases Violence laws and ensure that the State Governors are accountable to the State of Emergency declaration.
The Chairperson of the forum, Erelu Bisi Fayemi made this known in a communiqué released on Thursday to celebrate the first anniversary of the declaration of State of Emergency against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
She appealed to the State Governors to address the issue of security challenges in the country and find a lasting solution as soon as possible.
The Forum Chairperson reiterated that the forum had created a GBV survivor fund that enables Governors’ Wives respond to GBV cases, over forty-four, survivors have benefitted from the fund.
Erelu Fayemi stated that Nigerian Governors’ Wives would work with traditional, religious, community leaders, relevant stakeholders and government for effective engagement and ownership.
The Forum Chairperson disclosed that all First Ladies had developed a GBV mitigation action plan and provided leadership for the State GBV coordinating mechanism.
She maintained that the number of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), as well as shelters for women and their children, had increased across the country.
She commended the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Tallen for their efforts in dealing with the menace of Gender Based Violence.
