Nigeria has expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for its unwavering support in the fight against gender-based violence, as the EU allocates twenty-five million euros (€25,000,000) to bolster this crucial cause. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, conveyed this appreciation during the handover ceremony of the Spotlight Initiative Nigeria country programme in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The minister, represented by the Director of the International Corporation Department, Dr. Lanre Adekanye, highlighted the significant milestones achieved through the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria. He attributed the initiative’s success to the dedicated efforts of stakeholders, partners, and the comprehensive education on various forms of violence against women and girls. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for similar programmes aimed at upholding the outcomes and impact of the Spotlight Initiative, emphasizing the pivotal role of women and girls as agents of development and change in any nation.
In his address, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Matthias Schmale, commended the federal government, civil society groups, the women’s movement, and youth organizations for their resolute leadership and commitment to creating a world free from violence against women and girls. He underscored the targeting of gender-based violence as the focal point of the initiative, acknowledging tangible results achieved since its inception in 2019.
As the EU-funded EU-UN @GlobalSpotlight Initiative culminates, Mr. Schmale stressed the importance of ensuring that the commitments made are upheld for sustained impacts. He revealed that the initiative had played a pivotal role in influencing laws and policies, facilitating access to vital services for nearly 16,500 women and girls, and building alliances with traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Meanwhile, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E Amb. Samuela Isopi, outlined the program’s holistic approach, which galvanized all stakeholders to deliver significant outcomes. She noted that almost all states in Nigeria had expedited the passage of the Child’s Right Act, marking it as the fastest bill to be endorsed at the national level in the history of Nigeria. Ambassador Isopi reiterated the EU’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, anti-corruption initiatives, and the advancement of women’s rights and inclusion across various sectors, including girls’ education, maternal health, women’s economic empowerment, and political representation. With the EU’s enduring dedication, the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria remains a top priority.
This article reflects Nigeria’s acknowledgment of the EU’s instrumental support in eradicating gender-based violence, underscoring the collective determination to create a safer and more equitable society for women and girls.
