In a groundbreaking move, the Edo State Government has intensified its efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV). A landmark meeting between the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Edo State Police Command marked the beginning of a new era in the fight against GBV.
Led by Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief (Barr) Marie Bisi Idaomi, the team met with the new Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Otimeyin, to discuss strategies for reducing GBV cases in the state. The meeting was a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the two offices.
Chief Idaomi expressed her delight at meeting CP Otimeyin, highlighting the importance of having a female leader at the helm of the police command. She confidently stated that their collaboration would lead to a significant reduction in GBV cases.
During the meeting, Chief Idaomi requested that two police officers be posted to the ministry to facilitate swift arrests and responses to GBV cases. CP Otimeyin warmly welcomed the team and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Expressing concern over the rising number of GBV cases, CP Otimeyin emphasized the need for increased sensitization and awareness programs. She advised the ministry to engage in more orientation programs to achieve this goal.
In a decisive move, CP Otimeyin ordered the immediate deployment of two police officers to the Ministry of Women Affairs. This synergy marks a significant milestone in the fight against GBV in Edo State and is expected to yield positive results.
This development is part of Edo State’s broader efforts to combat GBV. In 2021, Governor Godwin Obaseki signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, aimed at eliminating violence against persons and other related acts.
The state government has also partnered with organizations like the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) to eradicate GBV .
