The Rivers State Government has restated its determination to eradicate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the state, pledging stronger interventions to protect women, girls and vulnerable persons from abuse.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, gave the assurance in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during an advocacy visit by the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
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Dr. Anabraba said Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is committed to the welfare and safety of women, warning that rape, trafficking and domestic violence will not be tolerated.
He stressed that the state would intensify public enlightenment and enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law to punish offenders.
He also highlighted ongoing empowerment programmes led by the Governor’s wife, Valerie Fubara, in collaboration with Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative to support vulnerable groups.
Solicitor-General, Barr. Vera Dike, urged victims and the public to seek help through agencies such as the Office of the Public Defender and the Department of Public Prosecution.
Director of the Centre, Dr. Adaku Ubelejit-Nte, said the campaign aims to strengthen justice, prevention and survivor-centred responses, urging sustained action to end violence against women and girls.
