By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State government has put machineries in motion to honour fiery Catholic priest, rights activist and Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (Uromi JDPCI), Very Rev. Father Fidelis Arhedo with an award for his contributions to the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
In a letter conveying the notice of the the award to the clergy and signed ny the functioning Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien stated that the award ceremony is part of activities marking the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Viotence against Women and Girls and the 16 Days of Activism against
Gender Based Violence.
The statement pointed out that the ceremony which will hold on Tuesday, 10 December at the New Festival Hall, Government House; Benin City is being organised by the ministry in collaboration with her partners, Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC) and Heartland Alliance Nigeria, adding that the global theme of this year’s celebration is, “UNITE! invest To Prevent Violence Against Women ond Girls”.
“The objectives of the program amongst others is to increase awareness on gender based viclence and the provisions of the VAPP Law, mobilise communities to take action, provide support services for survivors and engage men and boys in prevention efforts.
“In the light of the above, we would be greatly honored to have you grace the occasion with your esteemed presence and to kindly inform you, that you will be a recipient of an Award as a result of of your contributions in the space of Gender Based Violence”.
Father Arhedo has been in the forefront in the fight against gender based viclence, irregular migration, harmful widow practices, reintegration of repatriated migrants into the society and other social vices.