Wike, Kingibe, others to participate in FCT road walk

Invited dignitaries at the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV) ‘5km Orange Walk/Run’ include Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate, and Ahmed Abubakar Audi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Starting at Eagle Square in Abuja, the event is set to take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

This information was provided during a news conference today at the mandate secretariat in Area 10, Abuja, by Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the newly formed Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

According to Nigerian Tribune, Benjamins-Laniyi underscored the FCTA’s determination to reclassify and extensively cover Gender-based Violence (GBV) under the motto “Orange Cloud #LoudIt.” She pointed out that this issue has been underreported in the territory.

Stakeholders from all six of the FCT’s Area Councils will have the opportunity to participate in the event’s interactive sessions during its sixteen days (November 25–December 9, 2023).

An international rallying cry with the slogan “Invest To Prevent Violence Against Women and Children,” the gathering aims to empower the silent by raising awareness about the plight of male victims of domestic violence.

The importance of the media in covering and speaking out for victims of abuse and people with disabilities (PWDs) was highlighted by Benjamins-Laniyi, who urged the media to lend their support.

All types of violence, including that which men experience at the hands of their spouses, are to be eradicated during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The FCT has a history of underreporting GBV, but we intend to rectify that.

Since my checkup approximately 29 days ago, we have made progress in that area. We must now record our activities in response to this worldwide call to action. In 2023, we aim to be the world’s first city to be included in the GBV report. This is more than a movement; it’s a paradigm change, according to the Orange Cloud tagline #LoudIt.

On Saturday, we will be kicking off the event with the presence of dignitaries such as Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, the Minister of Women Affairs, and Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the FCT. That should give you a good idea of how significant the event is.

The FCT must redefine gender-based violence (GBV) as a top priority and provide it with adequate funding. People with disabilities (PWDs) and those experiencing various forms of violence have a significant role for the media to play in advocating for their cause.

The media plays an essential role in selling, reselling, connecting, and re-connecting society. I implore the news media to make this event heard.

We will be focusing on Women and Girls and Children With Disabilities (WAGCWD) because it is time to stand out for people living with disabilities (PWDs),” Benjamins-Laniyi informed our reporter.