By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State government has honoured Uuniversity Don and Chief Responsibility Officer of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Ekpoma, Dr. Jude Obasanmi for his contributions to the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the State.
Obasanmi was presented the award at the Unite Conference on the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence organised by the state Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues on Tuesday, 10 December at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
In his opening remarks at the award ceremony, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo assured of his administration’s commitment to the elimination of gender based violence in the state, assuring of the government’s collaborate with the federal government, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to implement policies and programmes that will enhance the reduction and elimination of gender based violence in the state.
Governor Okpebholo who was represented by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor (Esq), tasked traditional and religious leaders on elimination of all manner of religious and cultural practices that encourage the perpetuation of gender based violence, especially violence against women and girls.
In a remark, the Edo State Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, Ms Uche Nwokedi pointed out that the occasion was a call to action for all the stakeholders in the Gender Based Violence space.
Nwokedi who was represented by a RoLAC official, Mr. Linus Fingesin urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in addressing the observed gaps by strengthening legislative frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Kindly permit me to stand on the already established protocol
“This year’s theme, “Edo of Our Dream: Renewing Commitment to End All Forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the State,” aptly reflects our collective aspiration for a safer, equitable, and inclusive society.
“Today’s conference is not just an event—it is a clarion call. It is a call to action for every stakeholder present, including government officials, civil society, community leaders, and all advocates for justice and equality. The journey toward ending sexual and gender-based violence is one that requires unwavering commitment, strategic collaboration, and decisive action.
“We are at a pivotal moment in Edo State’s history with the advent of a new administration. This provides a unique opportunity to renew our efforts, realign our priorities, and ensure that tackling gender-based violence becomes a cornerstone of governance. It is our expectation that this conference will spark meaningful discussions on SGBV; and encourage policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize SGBV prevention and response within government agendas.
“Let us take pride in the progress we have made but remain steadfast in addressing the gaps. From strengthening legislative frameworks and empowering enforcement mechanisms to increasing awareness and providing robust support for survivors, the work ahead requires a shared vision and bold leadership”, Nwokedi said.
Welcoming stakeholders earlier to the conference, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien thanked RoLAC, the European Union EU, the International Organisation for Migration IOM and Heartland Alliance Initiative for their support.
Presenting the award to Obasanmi, the Acting First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani tasked parents on the need to ensure their children are given the needed education, skills and empowerment to ensure they escape the web of poverty which has been identified as a major cause of gender based violence.
Responding, Dr. Obasanmi thanked the Edo State government for the award and assured that Josemaria Escriva Foundation will continue to work towards the elimination of gender based violence in the state.
While calling on the state government to establish sexual assault referral centres in all the Local Government Areas in the state, Obasanmi pointed out that Josemaria Escriva Foundation is now shifting emphasis on sensitisation against GBV to men and boys according to him when the boys and men protect the women and girls, incidences of violence against women and girls will be reduced.
“I want to appreciate the State government through the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues for finding me and Josemaria Escriva Foundation worthy to be recognized in the efforts to stop S&GBV in the state. As a foundation, we will continue to work towards this and also to see how we can begin to now focus on shifting the conversations towards the men and boys. This is because, when the boy child is properly brought up by the men (family) to let them know that it is wrong to inflict any form of violence on any person, the tendency to be involved will be drastically reduced.
“I will call on government to speedily conclude the setting up of functional Sexual Abuse Referal Centres in all the LGAs. This will enable rapid and quick responses. CSOs like us (Josemaria Escriva Foundation) should continue to do thier best in this area while the goernmnt provides the enabling environment and collaboration.
“I will not fail to stress that there should be improved proper data gathering to ensble the state and other stakeholders, track progress.
“We dedicate this award to our Foundation’s BOT, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (Former Edo State 1st Lady for our invitation to serve in the Edo State GBV Committee and finally the Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo for his determination to sustain and improve on this fight to end SGBV in Edo state,”