As part of measures to eliminate gender-based violence in the country, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs said that it will collaborate with the Nigerian Governors Forum and other relevant government agencies to set up mobile courts that will enable the speedy trial of persons involved in the act and the punishment of offenders.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Grace Njoku, and posted on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Monday.
According to the statement, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs.) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said this on Friday while briefing journalists in Abuja during the 16 days of activism, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that when the courts become fully operational, it will ensure that people involved in such heinous acts are promptly arrested, prosecuted, and punished accordingly to serve as deterrents to others.
The statement partly read, “Barrister Kennedy Ohanenye informed that the Ministry under her watch will also intensify public enlightenment campaigns to sensitise the women, especially in rural and remote areas across the country, on the zero tolerance for gender-based violence, after which whistleblowers will be engaged to report back any case of child molestation or GBV in the environs.
“While assuring the government’s determination to develop more strategies towards ensuring that gender-based violence becomes eliminated in Nigeria, the minister advised parents to continue to monitor their children and wards in order to notice when their moods and expressions alter so as to draw the attention of relevant agencies for immediate action as it is no longer going to be business as usual.
“She therefore called on relevant government agencies and development partners to join hands with the Ministry in its effort towards the fight and elimination of every form of GBV in the country.”
