UNPFA commences Train-the-Trainer workshop for staff of Benue State University
By Bridget Tikyaa
In preparation for the establishment of a course on Gender Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) at the Benue State University, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) training team has began the training of those that will deliver the course at the University.
This followed a long period of planning that began with scoping and mapping of participants.
Addressing facilitators and participants at the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, represented by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Andrea Ornguze emphasized the importance of the GBViE course in solving issues related to assault and sexual violence against vulnerable groups, especially those faced with the challenges of displacements due to insecurity.
He assured that the University had carefully selected those to undergo the training, and charged the participants to maintain their enthusiasm and readiness till the end of the training.
In his virtual Keynote address, Christian Sabum Macauley, Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria , expressed excitement and gratitude for the partnership with the University, and urged the management of the institution to own the initiative and ensure its sustainability.
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Sir James Iorpuu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management/State Emergency Management Agency;said the collaboration between the University and UNFPA is vital in raising awareness and tackling the scourge of gender-based violence in the state.
Also In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, represented,Mrs. Linda Ene Dirisu, Coordinator, Benue State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Makurdi; applauded the initiative, stating that it would have a ripple effect by creating a network of skilled trainers who will take the message of change to their communities.
The Executive Secretary, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Grace Adagba, described the training as timely and stressed that gender-based violence affects both men and women and must be addressed comprehensively
A former Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Charity Angya, emphasized that equipping leaders with the right knowledge is key to spreading the knowledge needed to handle GBV and related cases of violence.
Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Usha Viashima, Director General, Bureau for International Corporation and Development; said the training would go a long way in enhancing community sensitization.
He added that insecurity continues to affect lives across the state;the training represents a significant step in protecting vulnerable population, and providing survivors the needed psycho-social support to overcome their situation.
The DG described the training as a vital step towards community sensitization and proactive action and urged the participants to remain alert to signs of gender based violence and be advocates for prevention and support to survivors
Others who commended the training were:
Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management; Hon. (Mrs.) Anna Itodo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare; Chief Mrs. Ashi Wende, Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, and Hon. Dr. Yanmar M. Ortese, Commissioner for Health and Human Services.
In his closing remarks, the Director of the Centre for Advancement and Linkages, Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor appreciated UNFPA for honourung the request of the University for partnership and thanked the Management of the University under the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, for providing the enabling environment and institutional support that made the training possible.
The two weeks Training the Trainers programme aims to equip lecturers, community leaders, and opinion shapers with the tools and knowledge to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in insecurity-prone areas.
