By Chigozie Uzosike, Owerri
As part of outcome and impact of the advocacy to end Gender Based Violence, GBV by Ogechi and Sam-Ikeh Foundation (OSAIF) in partnership with Youth Alive Foundation supported by Commonwealth, the Traditional Ruler, Obibiezena Ancient Kingdom of Owerri North has committed to drawing development plan in partnership with Stakeholders of the area.
Speaking when OSAIF paid advocacy visit to the Traditional Ruler, Eze Dr Peter Onyewuenyi on need to end all forms of Gender Based Violence in the community, the Executive Director of OSAI Foundation, Ogechi Ikeh noted that the community will collaborate to combat all harmful cultural practices against both men and women, adding that Gender Based Violence involves all person irrespective of gender.
She posited that there’s need to have Referral Pathway of reporting issues of violence to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. She urged the community to take advantage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law as according to her, the law handles all forms of violence both at public and private spaces.
In his remarks, civil society advocate, Dr. Austin Onuoha said he would commit to preparing a three (3) years development plan for the community so that there will be focus of development.
He urged the community to constitute a GBV Committee that would be reporting any forms of violence to the Eze-in-Council for reporting to the Pathway.
In his contribution, the traditional ruler of Obibiezena Ancient Kingdom of Owerri North, Eze Dr. (Sir) Peter Onyewuenyi, said that he would welcome the development plan, adding that he would donate 2million to support the micro soft loan for widows to enable them earn decent living.
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He extolled the OSAIF and Youth Alive Foundation (YAF) for their advocacy efforts in the community that are yielding positive results, asking them to continue to support the community. He said he would keep reporting issues of GBV to them for actionable points that would end all forms of violence against women and girl child especially.
