The Honourable Commissioner, Mrs Theresa Odachi Ikwue, stated this during a two-day state-level policy dialogue organised by CLEEN Foundation to address implementation gaps in the law.

Mrs Ikwue stressed the need to harmonise relevant laws, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions, and ensure inclusive participation in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). She also urged stakeholders to take lessons from the dialogue to grassroots communities, reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with partners.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of CLEEN Foundation, Mrs Magdalene Igbazua, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between the provisions of the VAPP Law and its implementation, with emphasis on institutional compliance and duty bearer accountability.

Also present were traditional rulers, ministry of Justice, the media, the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders.

The dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to identify implementation challenges and strengthen coordinated efforts towards ensuring that the VAPP law delivers meaningful protection for women, children and other vulnerable persons across Benue state.

By Joy Akoh

Information Officer

Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare