Niger Delta

We Are Committed To Combating GBV -RSG

Published

5 months ago

September 26, 2024

Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening laws and policies that would help in combating Gender Based Violence(GBV) in the state.
It said it would collaborate with the ActionAid Nigeria and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) to enhance support services for survivors, promote community awareness and education, provide shelters as well as counselling for victims.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Ilamu Arugu, stated this in his speech at the inauguration, orientation and training of Multi-stakeholders Action Committee On Gender Based Violence(MAP-GBV) Prevention in Rivers State, held at De-Edge Hotel, Port Harcourt, Monday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Justina Jumbo, Arugu described Gender Based Violence as a serious violation of human rights, adding that it affects millions of people worldwide and regardless of age, culture or socio-economic status.
Arugu, who explained that the GBV encompasses physical and psychological harm inflicted on individuals based on their gender, perpetuating inequality and discrimination said it manifest in various forms including domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, female genital mutilation, child marriage, trafficking and exploitation and other harmful socio-cultural norms.
“These acts of violence not only harm individuals but also undermine families, communities, and our collective well-being. The consequences often lead to physical and emotional trauma, mental health issues, social isolation, economic dependence and inter-generational cycles of violence
“Sady, the girl child and women are the most victims of GVB. According to WHO, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence worldwide. 30 percent of women in a country/state experience domestic violence says a National Survey”, Arugu said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state government, in its fight against the GBV, built the Safe Home in 2021 after the implementation of the Violence Against Person and Prohibition Law(VAPP) 2020 with the Child Right’s Law 2003 that was domesticated in the State in 2009 saying “this is designed for the protection, survival of victims including children and adults. We have a total of hundred and ninety- nine residents in the Safe Home from January till date”.
While noting that the fight against GBV was a collective one, Arugu urged participants and all stakeholders to become the change agent in their various areas of operation.
“Let us unite in this fight against GBV. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations. Together we can create a society where everyone is safe and valued by breaking the silence surrounding GBV, empower survivors to reclaim their lives and foster a culture of respect, equality, and justice. More especially create a state where women and girls live free from violence and the fear of it”.
Arugu further commended the ActionAid Nigeria team led by its Project Manager,
Mrs Vivian Efem Bassey for the efforts achieved in the GBV prevention project and for finding the Ministry a worthy recipient of collaboration on the MAP- GBV project in the State.
Speaking to Journalist, Vivian Efem Bassey, revealed that the project was billed for Osun, Anambra and Rivers State with funding from Ford Foundation and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria.
“What this project stands to gain is to build the capacities of faith based actors, traditional rulers, government officials from different ministries that have a stake in GBV prevention as well as other actors such as NGOs, security forces, NMA, MWAN, CWO, NUJ, PWDs among others.
“Everybody is coming together to ensure that Rivers State becomes safe for women and girls to live free of experiencing GBV and the fear of it. So, today we are here to train different NGOs, CSOs and others on issues of GBV and how to prevent and even stop it”, Bassey explained.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.