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GBV: FG Restates Commitment To Protect Women, Girls’Rights
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protect women and girls against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the advancement of their rights.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, stated this at a symposium to commemorate 16 days of activism against GBV organised by the Voice Communities of Practice (CoP), in Abuja.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, represented by the Principal Community Development Officer in Gender Affairs Department, Mr Edo Ekata, said the issue of GBV remained a global menace.
“Statistics show that one in three of all women and girls aged 15-49 have been victims of violence and one in every five have experienced physical violence in Nigeria.
“Also 31 per cent have experienced sexual violence while five per cent women have experienced physical violence during pregnancy,” she said.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, however, said the ministry as a national gender machinery was leaving no stone unturned as we continue to advocate that Nigeria was fit for all.
“Nigeria is a place where women and girls are given a voice and space to excel.
“Our strength as a nation has always been in our diversity as represented by the estimated population of 200 million Nigerians, with women making up almost 50 per cent.
“Our unity is in our cultural heritage made popular by Nigerian women through our rich music, dance, dressing etc.
“Protecting women’s voices and promoting their rights is a collective responsibility.
“I am optimistic that with the support of relevant stakeholders and with everyone playing their parts we will bring GBV and other gender-based related cases to the barest minimum,” she said.
Kennedy-Ohanenye said the ministry had taken giant steps to stem the tide of the ugly menace by including launch of the sex offender Register aimed at naming and shaming GBV perpetrators.
She said the inauguration of the National GVB Data Collation Tool for stakeholders to collate and submit GBV data to the ministry for effective coordination and planning.
“Set up National CSOs Emergency Response Team, strengthen of access to justice and reduce waiting time for survivors”.
Others ,according to her, include the inauguration of a Toll Free Line (+234 8031230651 or +234 7053576528) for the public to report on the cases of rape, establishment of National Situation Room and Dashboard that reports real time figures on a daily basis.
She added that through the effort of the Ministry, a directive had been given to establish specialized funds for the eradication of GBV In Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Prof Ali, Pate also expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackle GBV in the country.
Pate, represented by Chief Health Assistant, Nwankwo Okezie, said there were several forms of GBV that are coming up in disguise yet to be reported in the media, but also needed support of all stakeholders to fight.
Pate said that the ministry was also involved in capacity building, management of survivors of GBV, and partnership of all stakeholders to address.
A Legal Practitioner, Mrs Bukola Ajao, stressed the need for collaboration between states and CSOs for the effective implementation of the VAPP Act.
“The legal framework are there but until we are intentional about the implementation we will not achieve much.
“The CSOs also need to be coordinated about it. Until we are able to push a little that is when the VAPP Act will work,” Ajao said.
One of the participants, Mr Chucks Kelsey, also advised parents to keep an eyes on their children to avoid them being molested by people who claimed to be close to them.
Kesley also advised them to encourage their children to speak up when they are violated or harassed.
Mrs Hajara Abu, representative of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, said that the federation was committed to fighting and eliminating GBV, especially at the rural areas.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo