• HELDi calls on leaders to prevent violence with positive actions
By Ignatius Chukwu
The efforts by Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) to set up a response team against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has paid off at last.
This is said to have taken roots on February 20, 2025, an event organized at the Eleme LGA Civic Centre.
The event was said to have brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives of the Eleme LGA Chairman and vice chairman, traditional rulers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and community members including adolescents, youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and men’s and women’s groups, all drawn from the 10 communities in Eleme LGA. Their presence was said to have underscored their commitment to addressing SGBV in Eleme.
The President-General of the Eleme General Assembly, Chief Israel Abbey, was said to have welcomed participants and acknowledged the significance of setting up the response team, expressing gratitude to HELDi for bringing this initiative to Eleme.
Dr. Mfon Utin, HELDi Coordinator, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need for a response team and the importance of training its 25 members on SGBV, case reporting, and data collection to ensure effective service delivery. She highlighted the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, domesticated in Rivers State in 2020, and noted the challenges in its implementation, particularly the absence of response teams across the 23 LGAs, as stipulated in the law.
She presented copies of the VAPP Act to the LGA Chairman’s representative and the response team coordinator, Chief Israel Abbey, for their review and reference, reinforcing the legal framework supporting the fight against SGBV.
Dr. Utin further assured attendees that the Deputy Governor would be invited to officially launch the SGBV response teams, as was previously done for the only existing team at the state capital, but with collective advocacy and engagement with decision-makers in Eleme to achieve this goal.
Mr. John S. Osaronu, the LGA Secretary representing the Chairman, reaffirmed the LGA government’s unwavering support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of HELDi’s slogan, “Our Environment – Our Concern, and Our Health – Our Major Concern,” as a guiding principle.
He officially set up the 25-member response team and their executive committee while also inaugurating a board of critical stakeholders, including local government decision-makers, government agencies, and traditional leaders to oversee the team’s activities.
He expressed satisfaction with the calibre of individuals selected for the various team groups. The Vice Chairman’s representative, Mr. Godspower Nwakaji, commended the initiative and conveyed the Vice Chairman’s full support for efforts to end all forms of violence across Eleme communities.
Several representatives delivered goodwill messages, including those from the Vice Chairman’s office, the LGA First Lady’s office, traditional rulers, government agencies, and civil society organizations, all commending HELDi’s efforts.
Dr. Pat Osaroejiji emphasized the need for individuals in abusive marriages to separate peacefully rather than endure violence, which in some cases lead to death. She noted that women who suffer abuse and lose their lives are deeply missed by their families and children, not necessarily by their husbands.
Chief Israel Abbey stressed that all forms of violence should end, highlighting instances where children abuse their parents and spouses mistreat each other.
Health sector representative Mrs. Celina Pius assured attendees that, as a member of the response team, she would facilitate medical support and treatment for survivors whenever needed. Mrs Amadi Boma Daba from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous sensitization, which is one of its primary responsibilities, and pledged ongoing support for the initiative.
Mrs. Prisca Ademola of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) thanked the organizers and all participants and emphasized the need for the response team members to actively and effectively carry out their duties in addressing SGBV cases.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the successful setting up of the response team, and a group photograph was taken to commemorate the occasion.
Despite the unavoidable absence of some key stakeholders, their representatives actively participated, demonstrating strong support for the initiative.
The SGBV Response Team was structured into three key sections: critical stakeholders (responsible for high-level decision-making); committee members (overseeing implementation and coordination); and the response team (tasked with handling cases, providing support, reporting within the 10 wards of Eleme, and collecting data).
The commitment shown by the LGA leadership and stakeholders reinforced the sustainability of the initiative. HELDi appreciates the unwavering support of the LGA Chairman, especially for providing temporary support for the team, as well as the contributions of all LGA officials, government agencies, stakeholders, and the organization’s esteemed funders in making this milestone event a success. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating safer communities and eradicating SGBV in Eleme LGA.
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