UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325 RSG LAUNCHES STATE IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN

The Rivers State Government says it is in active partnership with both local and international organizations to adequately empower women and girls socially, economically and politically.

The Deputy Governor Stated this during the launching of the Rivers State Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) at the Ministry of Women Affairs in Port Harcourt.

According to the Deputy Governor the partnership is not only in the implementation of the State Action Plan but  also in the sustainability of the campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls as well as the promotion of activities in conflict prevention, peace building and post conflict recovery.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (2^nd Left) being received by the UN Queen, Iyingi Allaputa, Ms Nigeria United Nations (Left), Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Ukel Oyaghiri (2^nd Right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Atosemi Eson Teetito (Right) at the Official Launch of the Rivers State Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) in Port Harcourt.

 She said the Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike led Administration takes security and well being of women as a top priority this is why the Governor has continued to appoint women with capacity to sensitive positions.

She said for the first time in the history of Rivers State a female Chief Judge, in the person of Hon. Justice Daisy Okocha was appointed and after her retirement, another qualified woman Hon Justice Adama Iyayi Lamikanra who was next in line was appointed as the Chief Judge without prejudice.

While Hon. Justice   Christy Nwankwo was appointed as the first Female President of the Customary Court of Appeal this according to the Deputy Governor underscores the gender friendly posture of the Governor.

“His Excellency takes the security and well being of women in Rivers State as a priority so much so that he chose a female in the person of my humble self to hold the position of Deputy Governor; Governor Wike has not relented in appointing women into key positions in the State.” She said.

Dr. Banigo gave the assurance that the State Government will work to uphold the five pillars of the State Action Plan which includes Prevention and Disaster Preparedness, Participation and Representation, Protection and Prosecution, Post Conflict Reconstruction, Early Recovery and Crisis Management.

 “We will ensure that this action plan is utilized to the fullest as you are aware I am passionate about the plight of women and girls in our society that is why i put together “The Protect The  Girl Child Initiative”. Since its commencement, more people have become aware of how and where to get help in relation to abuse and violence against women and girls”. She Stressed.

In her presentation Mrs. Susan Bassey-Duke said the ultimate objective of the Revised State Action Plan (SAP) was to vastly improve and Advance strategies for the Participation and Inclusion of Women in all levels and areas of Decision-making while developing Strategies for protecting them from all forms of Gender Based Violence.    

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Left), Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Ukel Oyaghiri (2^nd Left), Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Mrs. Atosemi Eson Teetito (4th Left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Florence Fiberesima (2^nd Right), UN Queen, Iyingi Allaputa, Ms Nigeria United Nations (Right) and others during the Official Launch of the Rivers State Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) in Port Harcourt.

Prof. Nkoyo Toyo who presented a paper on opportunities and challenges for women in peace building, decision making and governance expressed the need to adopt a sustainable peace approach to conflict resolutions.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs Mrs. Atosemi Teetito said the State Action Plan is meant to be developed and domesticated based on the conceptualization of the UNSCR 1325 and is designed in such a way that it will address and respond to the growing violence against Women and girls.

The Chairman of the occasion Mrs. Inime Aguma who decried the rate at which women are emotionally and physically abused said it is important for women to collaborate with their male counterparts to achieve set goals.

Share Your thoughts !