The Kogi State Chief Judge Justice Josiah Majebi has decried the increase rate of violence against Women and Children in the Country.
Justice Majebi disclosed this on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria weeks, Kogi State branch held in Lokoja with the theme, “The theme for this year ” Combating violence against Women and Children New skills and strategies”.
The Chief Judge opined that, something urgent must be done to curb this menace, stressing that,
FIDA should also look into the affairs of Men that are being violated in the society.
While expressing satisfaction with the activities of FIDA in Kogi State, the CJ charged the body to device new strategy to address this societal menace and correct the value system in the society.
Justice Majebi, however, called on parents to sensitize their wards to have value for sanctity of life, adding that, the court is trying it’s best to ensure that every law that is enacted to curb violence against women and children is enforced.
Continuing, the Chief Judge said
” The court on his part, is trying its best to ensure that every law that is enacted to curb this crime against children and women are complied with and enforced in our court. When offenders are brought before us, we will ensure that the case is speedily determined.
“Because of this, we have designated the high Court in Lokoja to stand as family court to try this cases. Again, we have mandated the Chief magistrate across the State to handle cases of this nature. On the 30th of May 2023, the family court rules 2023, our family court practice direction 2023, were all signed by me and since then, it is enforced.
“We are working on the practice direction and guidelines, on trial of violence against prohibition offence. Am sure, in the next month, the practice direction and guidelines will be out. This effort is to ensure speedy determination of cases of violence against person prohibition offences and other act.
“We are also working on the practice direction and guidelines on protection order and matters connected there with. Very soon all this will be before us and it will help us in our quest to bring down this kind of offences in our society”.
In her remarks, Barrister Amina Oyiza Bello, wife of the Executive Governor of Kogi State who doubles as the grand patroness of FIDA said their mission is to promote and safeguard the right of Women and Children in Nigeria.
According to her, the appalling crime of violating Women and Children knows no boundaries adding that, it is a global crisis that calls for global action.
She called on Government and Civil organization to adapt new strategy to effectively combat violence against Women and Children in a bid to create a safer and more just society to leave.
Her words ” This event focus the grey issues of addressing violence against Women and Children. This appalling crimes knows no boundaries. It transcend geographically, culturally and social economic divides. It is a global crisis that calls for global unity of actions, as well as locally taloired solution within our community.
” Women and Children continues to suffer from various forms of violence which are increasingly shocking and senseless. The harms inflicted not only include the physical and psychological scares of victims themselves, but also the collateral obstruction in our community and our dear nation.
” Violence Against Women and Children often remain hidden until is exposed and punished. This means that every incident requires our attention and action. Perpetuators must face us, and we must make them face every possible deterrent.
“Sadly, traditional method of detecting and addressing violence against Women and Children also fall short. However, rather than giving up, it is crucial for Government, Civil organization like FIDA and individuals to engage this work to adapt to new skills and strategies to effectively combat this menace. Violence against Women and Children now necessitate a multifasceted approach encompassing fresh skills and strategies to create a safer and more just society for us to leave in.
“Education and awareness are crucial to empower communities and victims themselves encouraging them to speak up and also ensuring that we avoid situation whereby they are being stigmatize of speaking up. Additionally we must annex digital technology especially in identifying patterns of abuse, victims profiles and safe reporting of incidents by collecting data.
” Media advocacy remains important tool and we must continue to leverage on it. We must persist in legal reform and fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and support network like FIDA and her partners to enhance victim assistance and ensure perpetuators face the law.
Earlier in her remarks, the Kogi State Chairperson of FIDA Ajuma Lilian Okolo hinted that this year theme underscores the body commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues that plague the Nigeria society today
“It is a theme that reminds us of our responsibility as lawyers, as members of Civil society, and as human beings to stand up against injustice and protect those who are vulnerable.
” As we embark on this week of deliberation, education, and action, we must acknowledge that the fight against violence is an ongoing battle. It requires constant adaptation, the development of new skills, and the formulation of innovative strategies. We, as women lawyers, are uniquely positioned to drive this, change and be the champions of justice for those who need it most”.
On his part, the Patron of FIDA in Kogi State who doubles as the pioneer General Manager, Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency Richard Osaseyi called for the fortification of Nigeria laws to protect Women and Children in the Country.
