Stakeholders in Imo State are advocating for the creation of a regulatory body to ensure the effective enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, passed in 2021.
This call was made during a strategic meeting in Owerri, where Dr. Blessing Azubuike, Director of Women Affairs, emphasized the need for a dedicated agency to oversee the law’s implementation, in collaboration with Alliances for Africa.
She hinted that “the objective of the stakeholders’ meeting was to develop a road map and strategies towards establishing the agency.”
She added that it was also “to strengthen collaboration and establish an approach that will ensure the speedy implementation of the Imo State VAPP Law.”
On the benefits of the VAPP Law Implementation Agency, Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai noted “the establishment of the agency would facilitate live-saving efforts. It would also navigate and coordinate efforts around the law. The agency, when created, would leverage internal and external resources, make work easy and give voice and solidarity. Establishing the agency would attract funding and recognition and improve collaboration and relationship.”
Blessing Duru, Program Director of Alliances for Africa, emphasized the importance of establishing a regulatory agency to enforce the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, highlighting its potential to attract international recognition and donor support.
She stressed the need for increased awareness and collaboration among state actors, civil society, media, and relevant ministries.
Duru urged various organizations to create gender desks to streamline handling of violence cases. Participants, including Udochukwu Chukwu, noted the agency’s self-sustaining potential and numerous benefits.
Traditional ruler, Eze Clinton Uboegbulam-Nze, emphasized community sensitization to abandon harmful practices condemned by the law, promoting grassroots awareness and support for the agency’s mission.
