The traditional ruler of Olumbanasa and Chairman, Anambra State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on Prevention of Gender Based Violence, (MAP-GBV), Igwe Pius Omachonu, has called for tougher stance against the rising incidents of gender-based violence in Anambra State.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Igwe Omachonu, made the call during one of the committee’s courtesy visits to media outfits in the state.
While speaking, Igwe Omachonu told their host and General Manager, Radio Nigeria Purity FM, Awka, Mr. Uchenna Chukwuedo, that the committee found media critical to its ongoing campaign aimed at preventing GBV in the area hence the decision to visit media outfits to solicit their support.
“Gender based violence affects everybody whether directly or indirectly and our task is to see what we can do to prevent it. The response before now has been reactive but we want to become proactive in handling GBV.
“We are to dig deep in to the obvious and silent causes of GBV. It is only when you know the cause that you will understand how to prevent it.
“We also know that we cannot do this alone. We need to reach out to people and we can do that by ourselves. The media is critically needed. We have come to introduce ourselves to you, to tell you what we are doing and to ask for your partnership in this task as we need you to amplify our voices”.
Contributing, the Coordinator of the Committee, Miss Hope Okoye, explained that the intervention is powered by Action Aid Nigeria in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to ensure that GBV is prevented.
“We bear the same name under the project in all the states. The ministry cannot do it alone. That is why we are beckoning on traditional and religious institutions as well other critical stakeholders like the Police, NAPTIP, Civil Defence, National Human Rights Commission, the media, and many others to come around to assist.
“We also want you to inform you about the 16 days of activism which is coming up later this month. We will be going on road walk targeted at walking against gender based violence. We plead with you to give us news coverage. We would also appreciate if you can grant us opportunity through your platforms to share with the citizens what this action committee is doing.
Responding, the General Manager, Chukwuedo welcomed the action committee assuring it that Radio Nigeria Purity FM would do all within its reach to advance the course.
“The project you have presented is our own project. We will make use of our online and social platforms. Gender based violence is a recurring decimal and as you advocate for end, it seems to be increasing.
“For the partnership you’re seeking, it’s granted before being asked. However, for us to achieve the milestone, we will equally need your assistance. We will do the much we can to give you maximum publicity.
Also speaking, the Head of News, Dr. Emeka Anyalebechi, described GBV as a critical issue eating up the society.
“The Purity FM Awka welcomes you. You are in the right place and you won’t find us wanting,” Anyalebechi said.
