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16 Days Activism Against Violence: Group Carries out Advocacy Visits, Demands Implementation Of VAPP

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2022

Group known as Women Aid Collective (WACOL) Edo South 50-50 Action Women, has demanded an effective implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, and all existing Laws criminalizing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

The group also demanded the full implementation by all communities of the state of emergency on VAWG declared by the Nigerian Governor’s Forum in 2020, and that communities should with immediate effect, integrate into the Nigerian Constitution the Supreme Court judgment on the Right of the Girl-Child to Property Inheritance.

The group further implored communities to include women and girls into leadership positions of community governance structures such as cabinet, Town Unions and Youth Wings, through more inclusive processes for elective offices as clearly spelt out in the Constitution.

Prof. Evelyn U. Edosomwan, Chairperson, WACOL, alongside other executives of the group made the demands in Benin during an advocacy visit to head of government ministries/agencies, head of union, etc.

Other issues raised during the advocacy visit included: marginalization, discrimination, spousal neglect and abuse, obnoxious widowhood rites and practices, rape, trafficking in women and girls, defilement and upsurge of paedophiliacs.

The visit, according to her was part of activities to mark the 16 Days Activism Against Violence Against Women which commenced on November 25 globally.

The Chairperson noted that the theme of the 2022 Commemoration is “Unite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

At the office of Monday Osaigovo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Edo State, Prof. Edosomwan stated that the rural communities still hosts deviants and social miscreants who lure young girls and even babies into corners and rape or defile them, lamenting that women are still being raped even on farm lands.

She also decried obnoxious widowhood practices which she said still persist in some communities as part of cultural norms, just as she solicited support of the head of Local Government and Community Affairs to be part of the strategic meeting where the Enigie and other community leaders will sit down to advance solutions to end such social anomalies.

Responding, the Commissioner said Edo people cannot continue to obey laws and tradition that are harmful to women and girls in the local communities.

He stated that fifty per cent of offenders or culprits in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence often denied that they were not aware and always traded blames when they were caught in the act.

Also receiving the Advocacy Team in his office, the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prince Bamidele Obaitan, expressed zero tolerance for all forms of Gender-Based Violence, Child abuse, sexual harassment, and violence against women in all forms.

“It is sad that lots of parents fail in their responsibility too. Poor parenting is presently an issue in our society. Parents have to wake up to their responsibility to take adequate care of their children and wards.

“Women have been marginalized in many spheres of human endeavour, and this has to stop in our communities. Every woman and girl child need to be empowered to enable us have a better society. Indecent dressing is also an issue. Women and every girl child should learn to dress properly, having the mind that there is time and there is a place for everything. Let’s learn to teach our youth the right values and encourage them to shun all vices.” The Commissioner stated.

Also visiting the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Prof. Edosomwan and members of the Advocacy Team used the opportunity to condole with the Chairman who was recently bereaved of his mother, just as she stated that the vacuum created by the loss of a mother in a family cannot be filled.

She informed the NUJ boss of the objectives of the visit which, according to her, was to partner with the union in creating awareness on the spate of violence against women and girls in the society, and intention to use the various news media to call on duty bearers, traditional rulers and all others to take more effective action to stop violence against women and girls, especially harmful cultural practices.

She said: “It is imperative to sensitize all relevant stakeholders on the strategic import of the 16 Days Activism in the global struggle. We implore you all, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to join us in drumming up awareness on SGBV and several other societal ills impeding on the growth, survival and progress of women. All hands must be on deck in putting a stop on the vicious circle of Violence against Women and girls.”

The Chairperson further called on all stakeholders, Human/Women’s Rights Activists, CSOs, Law Enforcement officers and Youths to act now toward eliminating violence against women and girls in the Society.

In his response, Comrade Festus Alenkhe stated that the demands of the group are germane and commended the group for the initiatives.

“The perpetrators of these acts of violence against women are not aliens who fell from space. They are people in our neighborhoods, people often known by their victims. It is high time all stakeholders teamed up to stop these vices. The Law should be sterner and should be enforced. I assure you that the NUJ will collaborate with you in giving voice to these campaigns. Once again, do not rest on your oars.”

Among those who accompanied the Chairperson on the Advocacy Visit were Mrs Eseosa Onebamoi, Programme Officer, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairperson of NAWOJ Edo State Chapter and Vice Chairperson of the group, Comrade Grace I. Umeh, Public Relations Officer and former Chairperson, NAWOJ, Edo State and Comrade Habiba Sam, member.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.