By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State government has honoured the Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative, Uromi (JDPCI), Very Rev. Fr. (Dr) Fidelis Arhedo for his contributions to the war against Gender Based Violence GBV in the State.
Arhedo 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, adding that the government will collaborate with the federal government, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to implement policies and programmes geared towards 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 Rev. Fr, Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, who was represented by the Programme Officer at Uromi JDPCI, Dr. Mike Iyiobhebhe; the Acting First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani called on parents to ensure that their children are given the needed education and empowerment to ensure they escape the web of poverty which has been identified as a major cause of gender based violence.
Reacting to the award, Fr. Arhedo in a telephone interview with Newscurve24.com from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on his to the United States of America for an engagement, said he dedicated the award to the Catholic Church for giving him his priestly training and the opportunity to be at the helms at the Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative.
‘I am indeed very grateful to God who has chosen me to be His priest. I am also grateful to the Church for giving me the opportunity to attend the priestly training where I was exposed to issues that women are equal with us, the men and we should respect them.
“I’m grateful to the Catholic Church for bestowing me with this noble position to be in charge of Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative in Diocese of Uromi and Benin Province. I am also grateful to the ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues for giving me this award and for the collaboration they have been giving to me since I have been working with them”.