The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has taken the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to communities in the FCT, Abuja.
Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday when she visited Mr Joseph Narayi, the Chief of Karu, Abuja.
According to Maduekwe, NOA was leveraging on its wide reach to address the menace of GBV.
“NOA is bringing the fight against gender-based violence to the heart of communities across Nigeria.
“This is part of activities to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“The aim is to spark conversations and raise awareness for a violence-free Nigeria.
The activity will run between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10,”she said.
Maduekwe described GBV as a crime, adding that it discourages love for others .
“Violence whether against children, men or women, either in the home, school, on the streets or even in the market place is not good,”he added.
The director called on Nigerians to rise against GBV, adding such move would encourage progress and growth in the society.
She said that NOA had lined up activities to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV, adding that NOA would engage traditional and religious leaders in the campaign.
“The activities will strengthen the knowledge base of parents, guardians, and caregivers in rural communities on the need to invest in children to ensure a better future and protect them from GBV,”she explained
Responding, Narayi thanked NOA for the initiative, particularly in creating awareness on other critical national issues.
Narayi said that before now cases of GBV were not under reported in the community due to the inability of victims to speak out.
” I am willing to work with NOA to address GBV, I will support you to continuously spread the message against GBV,”he promised.
Narayi called on parents and guardians to always cater for their wards and correct behaviour that may likely lead them to promoting GBV.(NAN)
