Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening laws and policies that would help in combating Gender Based Violence(GBV) in the state.
It said it would collaborate with the ActionAid Nigeria and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) to enhance support services for survivors, promote community awareness and education, provide shelters as well as counselling for victims.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Ilamu Arugu, stated this in his speech at the inauguration, orientation and training of Multi-stakeholders Action Committee On Gender Based Violence(MAP-GBV) Prevention in Rivers State, held at De-Edge Hotel, Port Harcourt, Monday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Justina Jumbo, Arugu described Gender Based Violence as a serious violation of human rights, adding that it affects millions of people worldwide and regardless of age, culture or socio-economic status.
Arugu, who explained that the GBV encompasses physical and psychological harm inflicted on individuals based on their gender, perpetuating inequality and discrimination said it manifest in various forms including domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, female genital mutilation, child marriage, trafficking and exploitation and other harmful socio-cultural norms.
“These acts of violence not only harm individuals but also undermine families, communities, and our collective well-being. The consequences often lead to physical and emotional trauma, mental health issues, social isolation, economic dependence and inter-generational cycles of violence
“Sady, the girl child and women are the most victims of GVB. According to WHO, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence worldwide. 30 percent of women in a country/state experience domestic violence says a National Survey”, Arugu said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state government, in its fight against the GBV, built the Safe Home in 2021 after the implementation of the Violence Against Person and Prohibition Law(VAPP) 2020 with the Child Right’s Law 2003 that was domesticated in the State in 2009 saying “this is designed for the protection, survival of victims including children and adults. We have a total of hundred and ninety- nine residents in the Safe Home from January till date”.
While noting that the fight against GBV was a collective one, Arugu urged participants and all stakeholders to become the change agent in their various areas of operation.
“Let us unite in this fight against GBV. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations. Together we can create a society where everyone is safe and valued by breaking the silence surrounding GBV, empower survivors to reclaim their lives and foster a culture of respect, equality, and justice. More especially create a state where women and girls live free from violence and the fear of it”.
Arugu further commended the ActionAid Nigeria team led by its Project Manager,
Mrs Vivian Efem Bassey for the efforts achieved in the GBV prevention project and for finding the Ministry a worthy recipient of collaboration on the MAP- GBV project in the State.
Speaking to Journalist, Vivian Efem Bassey, revealed that the project was billed for Osun, Anambra and Rivers State with funding from Ford Foundation and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria.
“What this project stands to gain is to build the capacities of faith based actors, traditional rulers, government officials from different ministries that have a stake in GBV prevention as well as other actors such as NGOs, security forces, NMA, MWAN, CWO, NUJ, PWDs among others.
“Everybody is coming together to ensure that Rivers State becomes safe for women and girls to live free of experiencing GBV and the fear of it. So, today we are here to train different NGOs, CSOs and others on issues of GBV and how to prevent and even stop it”, Bassey explained.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu