As part of efforts to curtail all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) across Niger state, religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim faith in Minna, the state capital, have called on the state government to establish special courts that will handle quicker justice dispensation of cases.
The religious leaders, while brainstorming at a one-day capacity building organised by Global Promoters for Community Initiative (GPCI) in collaboration with the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Niger state chapter, for religious leaders in Minna, vowed to take the message to their followers.
Speaking on the theme: “Strengthening Community Active Participation Against Gender-Based Violence (SCAPAGBV),” the Program Director, GPCI, Mr Olasukanmi Kalejaiye appealed to pastors and imams to do all they can to ensure the rate of GBV reduced to the barest minimum in the society.
According to him, “If you (religious leaders) make it a point of duty, the society will change for the better.
“I want to appeal to us to see that we all raise the awareness about the negative impacts of gender-based violence on survivors, the community and the role of individuals and communities in combating and preventing GBV.”
Kalejaiye further charged the religious leaders to help amplify the advocacy for the implementation of Violence Against Any Person Prohibition (VAPP) laws and the establishment of a dedicated court for prosecuting GBV cases in Niger state.
Speaking on engaging faith actors in ending GBV in society, the State Chairperson, NRHJN, Hajia Habiba Alabaru, said the main objective of the workshop is to see that cases of abuse are reduced in society with the help of religious leaders.
She charged religious leaders to add their voices and join in the advocacy for the implementation of VAPP laws and the establishment of a dedicated court for prosecuting GBV cases in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian faith, the chairman, Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Chanchaga local government area, Special Apostle Sunday Ojimi, said the fight against violence amongst families starts from the church.
Accordingly, he said, “At our various services, we will ensure we advise members and draw their attention to the VAPP Laws in the state.”
“We will add our voices and advocate for the implementation of Violence Against any Person Prohibition (VAPP) Laws and establishment of a dedicated court of prosecuting GBV cases in Niger state.”
Also, an Imam from the Minna Central Mosque, Alhaji Nuhu T. Babanmallam, who spoke on behalf of the Islamic faith assured that the message of how to stop violence against persons irrespective of their gender will be preached during the Juma’at every Friday and at every of other programmes.
Leaders were drawn from various Islamic sects and church denominations within the Minna metropolis which comprises of Chanchaga and Bosso local government areas.
They assured that they will support the push for the VAPP laws and to see that courts are established to attend to such cases.
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