Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary for Women and Children Affairs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed that a total of 2,344 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) have been reported in the territory. This disclosure was made during a meeting with On Air Personalities (OAPs), influencers, and media personalities in Abuja.
Addressing the challenges in reporting GBV incidents, Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized the need to raise awareness and bring these issues to the forefront. She expressed her hope that by engaging with OAPs, influencers, mothers, and community leaders, a greater level of consciousness and action towards addressing GBV could be triggered.
Stressing the urgency of the situation, she highlighted the substantial increase in reported cases, which surged from a thousand to 2,344 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). This surge, she attributed to greater awareness and a willingness to engage in reporting channels. Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi also affirmed her advocacy for the GBV campaign, with a deliberate focus on disability and gender-based disability violence.
In her commendation, Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi lauded the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as the first security institution to “domesticate” the gender bill.
Further shedding light on the efforts of the secretariat, she revealed its significant structure comprising 10 departments, 40 divisions, and 15 units. She emphasized the targeted intervention and support for vulnerable groups, including women, adolescent girls, children, and persons with disabilities.
Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi drew attention to the historical backdrop of atrocities against women and stressed the importance of balanced reporting by OAPs and reporters. Additionally, she highlighted the upcoming 16 days of activism against GBV, commencing with a walk and featuring the participation of distinguished dignitaries.
She also acknowledged the initiative of Sen. Ireti Kingibe and the “Orange Nigeria Project,” advocating for a collaborative movement to combat GBV. Emphasizing the non-partisan, non-tribal, non-political, non-religious, and non-gender-specific nature of the project, Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi underscored its universal message.
The FCT’s commitment to addressing GBV is evident through its active participation in national and local initiatives. As the nation unites to combat this pervasive issue, the significance of raising awareness and taking deliberate action cannot be overstated.
