… Calls for collective action to end the menace.

Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The wife of the governor of Kogi State, Barrister Aminat Oiza Bello has decried the increased rate of violence against women and children in the country.

Barrister Aminat disclosed this on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Kogi State branch, held in Lokoja, with the theme, “Combating violence against Women and Children: New skills and strategies”.

Barrister Amina Oyiza Bello, who doubles as the grand patroness of FIDA said their mission is to promote and safeguard the rights of women and children in Nigeria.

According to her, the appalling crime of violating women and children rights knows no boundaries adding that it is a global crisis that calls for global and collective action

Women and children continue to suffer from various forms of violence which are increasingly shocking and senseless.
“The harms inflicted not only include the physical and psychological scars on victims, but also the collateral obstruction in our community and our dear nation.

“Violence against women and children often remains hidden. This means that every incident requires our attention and action. Perpetuators must face us, and we must make them face every possible deterrent,” she stated.

She also called on well-meaning individuals to give back to the society in their own quotas .

Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice J. Majebi asserted that all hands must be on deck to curb the menace, stressing that FIDA should also look into the affairs of men that were being violated in the society.

While expressing satisfaction with the activities of FIDA in Kogi State, the CJ charged the body to devise a new strategy to address the societal menace.
Justice Majebi called on parents to sensitize their wards to have value for the sanctity of life.

Earlier in her remarks, the Kogi State Chairperson of FIDA Ajuma Lilian Okolo hinted that this year’s theme underscores the body’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues that plague the Nigerian society today.