EU-UN Joint Delegation visits CRSHA Speaker

A United Nations and European Union joint delegation, Monday, paid a courtesy visit on the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

In his remarks, the Programme Supervisor, Dr. Yakubu Aliyu said the EU-UN Joint spotlight initiative is a new, global, multi-year initiative that is focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. 

Dr. Aliyu said the initiative focuses attention on issues, bringing them into spotlight and making concerted efforts to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The    United Nations population fund (UNFPA) REP explained that efforts are already in place at the global and national levels which will culminated in the selection of priority countries for the initiative, adding that Nigeria is one of the eight priority countries to benefit from the initiative.

"Regional consultations have been held to enrich the development of the country programme for Nigeria that had active participation of the government and the national levels, some States and relevant stakeholders," Aliyu stated.

He disclosed that Cross River State, FCT, Sokoto, Adamawa, Ebonyi and Lagos States have been selected as the focus states for the implementation of this initiative in Nigeria.

Responding, the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.  Jones William Eteng, thanked the delegation  for been the first to pay him and house the first courtesy call, emphasising that the initiative is community based and that there are other legislations on violence against women and the girl child in Cross River State.

Rt. Hon. Eteng further added that though law on violence against women and the girl child can be reviewed, in due course, a new law will be enacted to tackle the issues of violence in the communities and the State at large.

In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Ephraim Theresa Offiong, a  Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Speaker and Honourable Members for their support and partnership in ensuring that the women and girls are safe and free from violence.

Honourable members present at the visit included Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey ( Leader), Rt. Hon. Itam Abang, Rt. Hon. Fred Osim (Deputy Leader),  Rt. Hon. Regina Anyogo (Deputy chief whips). Hon. Dr. Davies Etta, and Hon. Cynthia E. Nkasi.