Calabar, Nigeria – Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State consultant on the Niger Delta Improvement Fee (NDDC), has reiterated the Fee’s unwavering dedication to ending all types of violence towards ladies and ladies.
In an announcement to mark the continued 16 Days of Activism towards Gender-Based mostly Violence (GBV), Chief Duke emphasised that the NDDC operates on a strict coverage of zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
In his assertion, Chief Duke expressed concern over the persistent menace of violence towards ladies and ladies within the Niger Delta area and past. He highlighted that the problem stays a significant obstacle to attaining gender equality, sustainable improvement, and peace.
“As a Fee tasked with driving sustainable improvement within the Niger Delta, we recognise that no society can thrive when half of its inhabitants faces systemic discrimination and violence. We’re dedicated to making a secure and inclusive setting for ladies and ladies, not solely in our operations however throughout communities within the area,” Chief Duke mentioned.
He additional famous that the NDDC has initiated partnerships with civil society organisations, authorities companies, and worldwide companions to strengthen efforts aimed toward combating SGBV. These initiatives embrace neighborhood sensitisation campaigns, financial empowerment applications for ladies, and offering help for survivors of violence.
Chief Duke additionally used the platform to name for collective motion from all stakeholders. He urged state and native governments, conventional establishments, non secular leaders, and neighborhood members to work collectively in fostering a tradition of respect and dignity for ladies and ladies.
“The battle towards SGBV requires extra than simply insurance policies. It calls for motion from each certainly one of us. Allow us to rise as a society to guard our ladies and ladies, making certain they reside with out concern of violence or discrimination,” he added.
The 16 Days of Activism, noticed yearly from November 25 to December 10, serves as a worldwide marketing campaign to boost consciousness about violence towards ladies and ladies.
This 12 months’s theme, “UNiTE: Activism to Finish Violence In opposition to Ladies and Ladies”, resonates with Chief Duke’s advocacy and the NDDC’s broader mission of advancing gender fairness within the Niger Delta.
The previous Lawmaker concluded his assertion by reaffirming the NDDC’s dedication to supporting survivors of violence, selling preventive measures, and making certain that perpetrators of SGBV face justice.
“Collectively, we are able to finish violence towards ladies and ladies. Let’s unite to construct a future the place everybody, no matter gender, can thrive,” he mentioned.
