FCT records 2,000 gender based violence in 100 days -Official

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat has recorded no fewer than 2,000 cases of gender based violence within its first 100 days of creation.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, at an occasion to mark her 100 days in office.

She explained that the increase in the number of reported cases of gender based violence in the FCT was due to renewed confidence residents now have in the new leadership.

Benjamins-Laniyi who restated her determination to “leave no woman behind” and “leave no adolescent behind”, said some men have come forward to report cases of abuse against them by women.

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She vowed to evolve “policies, politics and personal interactions” in the discharge of her duties to ensure an all-inclusive administration.

The Secretary who revealed her plans to work towards revival of the territory’s female football team, FCT Queens, added that cases of adoption have been temporary suspended.

According to Benjamins-Laniyi, she hit the ground running on assumption of office on 24th October, 2023, saying she has had stakeholders consultatation with the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Women Affairs Ministry, and familiarisation visits to women groups, among others.

The Secretariat, within 100 days, has also carried out gender-based violence (GBV) sensitisation programme for wives of traditional rulers and Area Council chairmen in the FCT.

It also celebrated the 2023 UN Women 16 days of advocacy against GBV in FCT, as well as hosting the First Lady’s Renewal Hope humanitarian programme for the aged.

Benjamins-Laniyi also said she has undertaken a tour of all facilities under her office, including FCT Unity Children’s Home in Gwako, Gwagwalada; FCT Transit Home/Juvenile Correctional Centre and Karu Children’s Home.

Others places visited included the Baby friendly centres/creches in Areas 11 and 3; FCT women vocational and empowerment centre, Zuba; poultry farm project, Pasali; and groundnut processing centre, Kulo in Abaji, among others.