Stakeholders in Bayelsa State have called for more partnerships and funding to fight the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
They made the call in Yenagoa during a fundraising cocktail for the Hall of Fame Project organised by the DO-Foundation, Closer TV and partners to raise funds for survivors of GBV.
In her welcome address, founder of DO-Foundation, Dr. Dise Goddy-Harry, said the event was aimed at raising funds and strengthening interventions for women, girls and other survivors of gender-based violence.
According to her, survivors need urgent medical care, legal aid, counselling, protection and safe shelter, stressing that stakeholders must look beyond the glamour of the event to the real human stories.
She said the fight against GBV cannot be left to one group alone, but requires joint action by government, civil society, security agencies, philanthropists and the public.
Declaring the event open, Prof. Felix Omemu commended DO-Foundation for the initiative, describing it as a vital contribution to humanity. He called for strong leadership and more support to sustain the project.
President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa, Dr. Frank Odunukwe, also lauded the organisers, saying the project has gained popularity beyond Bayelsa and among Bayelsans abroad.
Other speakers at the event, including Permanent Secretary, State Pensions Board, Mr. Alex Ogregade; NDU lecturer, Prof. Stanley Udisi; Bayelsa Vice Chairman of NUJ, Dr. Enebrato Preye; and girl-child advocate, Gloria Wodu, stressed the need to ensure that no victim is abandoned or denied justice.
General Manager, NTA Yenagoa, Mrs. Mary Ekanem; PRO of Collins Cocodia Foundation, Mr. Bilyaminu Muhammadu; Brakes Ohaka, Esq. and Miss Ebimopa Tam-Kwokwo, Esq. of the Gender Unit of the Ministry of Justice, also called for renewed commitment to ensure that no survivor suffers in silence.
The stakeholders urged well-meaning individuals and organisations to support programmes that provide medical, legal and psychological help to survivors of gender-based violence.
