Abuja – The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on Friday in Abuja has urged state governments to adopt the Violence Against Persons’ Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The National Secretary, FIDA, Ms Rhoda Tyoden-Moore, made the call when she led a team of officials on a courtesy visit to the Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Jones Afolabi.
Tyoden-Moore, who represented the President, FIDA Nigeria, Ms Inime Aguma, said that the VAPP Act was being implemented in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
The national scribe said that sensitisation was ongoing to encourage other states to adopt the Act.
“VAPP Act is only operational in Abuja, but sensitisation programmes is going on in the states of the federation for them to adopt the Act.
“FIDA Abuja has began sensitisation in the six Area Councils of the FCT where they are meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders and enlighten them on what this Act is all about.
“People need to know what FIDA is doing and our primary mandate is to ensure that women and children’s rights are protected; which the VAPP Act encompasses,” she said.
However, Tyoden-Moore noted that it was an enormous task getting people to embrace the Act without awareness on its benefits.
The national secretary stated that the Act was expected to be interpreted in some local languages for easy understanding by ordinary citizens.
According to her, FIDA at the state level will embark on grass root sensitisation and collaborate with the State House of Assemblies for adoption of the Act.
She noted that FIDA was organising its officials towards the second quarter of the year to commence the sensitisation at the state levels.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
She said that each state had their version of the VAPP Act which they interpreted and adapted according to the prevalence of violation on vulnerable people.
Tyoden-Moore stated that the VAPP Act was well encompassing to accommodate the infringement on the rights of the people, especially women and children.
The official said that FIDA would ensure that the judiciary was consistent in delivering judgments with the requirements of the VAPP Act.
While decrying the prevalence of rape in the country, the national scribe however said measures were being put in place to curtail the menace as well as punish offenders.
She added that the group would collate data on incidences of rape and violation on women and children to strengthen the protection of their rights.
Tyoden-Moore also revealed that the organisation would establish two additional offices in Yobe and Bauchi states to the existing 32 offices to further help in the actualisation of its mandate.
The official therefore solicited for collaborative effort and support of NAN to disseminate information on the activities of FIDA.
Responding, Jones pledged the support of NAN to promote the goals of FIDA, saying lack of education in women could either make or mar the family.
Represented by Hajia Kadijat Lawal, Director, Planning and Research, he advised the delegation to promote girl child education in driving female potential.
The acting managing also assured the group of credible dissemination of information and productive partnership.
NAN recalls that the VAPP Act was signed into law by former president Goodluck Jonathan on May 25, 2015, to eliminate violence in private and public life.
The Act is expected to prohibit all forms of violence against persons, provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders. (NAN)
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