The Federal Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has lauded the efforts of First Ladies in Nigeria for standing up for and protecting child and women rights in their respective states.
Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen made the remarks when some members of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Against GBV (NGWA-GBV) paid her a courtesy call on the Minister and participated in the ‘Light up the Candle’ event as part of activities commemorating the 16 days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), at Women’s House, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Abuja, on Monday, 30 November, 2020.
The First Lady of Ekiti State and Chair, NGWA-GBV, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who led the delegation, appreciated the Minister for her efforts, encouragement and support for the Governors Wives and her response to issues around GBV in the country.
She also intimated the Minister on the activities of NGWA-GBV for the week around the 16 days of Activism.
“We are here this afternoon as part of the activities to mark the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence to come and say thank you to you.
“As you are aware we are all taking this issue seriously in our respective States, we look forward to working with you and you can count on us to be allies in the promotion of women’s rights, in the education of the girl child and in mitigating all forms of Gender-Based Violence”.
Erelu Fayemi on behalf of members of Nigerian Governors Wives Against GBV (NGWA-GBV), presented a plaque to the Minister in recognition of her efforts at ending Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
Responding, the Minister thanked the wives of the governors for their impactful roles in the affairs of their states where women are now actively part of cabinets in the state, saying;
“We appreciate you for your work towards domesticating the child right laws and VAPP acts in your respectful states and we note in particular that for any government who do not include women in the decision making, such state would drawing back the hand of the clock.
“The Governors’ forum had declared an emergency on GBV on the 10th of June, 2020 because of its emotional effects on our citizens and society. I charge all of you to reciprocate this gesture by rendering quality services to victims of GBV in all States, she admonished.
Present at the event are the First Lady of Kwara State, who is also the Secretary, NGWA-GBV, Dr (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrazak; First Lady of Sokoto State, Hajia Mariya Tambuwal; and representative of the First Lady of Zamfara State; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr (Mrs) Ifeoma, Adaora AnyanwuTaku; Directors of the Ministry and representatives of Civil Society Organizations.
