Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has called on relevant agencies to ensure the enforcement of the Child Right Law already domesticated in the State so that offenders would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
Dr. Banigo made the call when members of the state branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria, paid her a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor who advocated for greater collaboration between Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and Traditional Rulers, stated that it is high time all gender based violence issues are kicked out from the society.
She commended FIDA for being the voice of women and the girl child urging victims of violence against women to speak out to expose perpetrators of such act for prosecution.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Anthonia Osademe said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration to alleviate the plight of women and the girl child who are still facing violence and other harmful traditional practices in the society.
Mrs. Osademe appealed to the State Government to partner with FIDA in its community campaign against female genital mutilation, sensitization on reproductive health rights, laws affecting widowhood and sexual offences and commended Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his choice of Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo as Deputy Governor.