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By Abbas Gungura, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State while inaugurating the implementation committee on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law called on them to work towards ensuring zero tolerance to all forms of violence in the state.
Performing the inauguration of the committee alongside members of the Costed Model Action Plan Committee at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Bauchi, Governor Bala proudly said Bauchi state is the first to domesticate Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in North Eastern Nigeria.
The Governor said implementation of the law will only be possible when funding is provided, and the political will is supported by targeted financial and other resources.
He appealed to the committee to work in close collaboration and in active synergy with critical stakeholders in order to eliminate violence against persons prohibition in the society.
“We are the first in the North East to demonstrate the VAPP law, yet translating the law into practical action on the ground remains challenging with a persistent gap between commitment and financial support.
“All stakeholders have an obligation to participate in creating a peaceful and safe environment for the growth and development of the State especially for the security and protection of everyone.”
On the Costed Model Action Plan (CMAP) for the implementation of the VAPP law, the governor said the state government has identified intervention strategies that will have direct impact on the lives and welfare of the most vulnerable persons to violence.
He explained that, the Costed Model Action Plan (CMAP) is a tool that will help produce results through clearly defined activities and targets, careful costing and identification of actors responsible for the implementation.
According to him, it also provides an implementation strategy and a clearly identified monitoring and evaluation component which included an estimated cost package.
“The Costed Model Action Plan is relevant to the overall response to ending violence against persons in Bauchi State. It offers a multi-sectoral and standardized approach that can be applied at all levels in which its goals are attainable in a specific timeframe.”
The governor expressed satisfaction with the partnership and support of the United Nations Women and the Government of United Kingdom for the funding and technical support provided for the implementation of the programme in the state.
He said the resources brought to the state government is one step closer to the implementation of the violence against persons prohibition law and elimination of all forms of violence in Bauchi State.
“I welcome the publication of CMAP for the implementation of the Bauchi State VAPP Law. The Government of the State is strongly committed to its successful implementation.”
Speaking earlier, the Wife of the state governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed said the sexual and gender based violence committee constituted by her office is to support the state government in eliminating gender based violence in the state.
In his keynote remarks, the UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Mr Lansana Wonneh explained that the organisation is currently implementing a number of projects in Bauchi state in order to assist in improving the living standards of people especially women and children.
He said the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of Women (UN Women) has partnered with with the UK Government foreign commonwealth and development office to implement a project on strengthening state capacities and Women’s participation in COVID response and broader peacebuilding initiatives Nigeria, with funding from the UK Government.
According to him the programme is being implemented in Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States. It is aimed at addressing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and addressing key gender issues in the context of the COVD-19 pandemic, by supporting State governments to prevent and responsed to gender base violence and enhence Women’s participation in leadership and decission -making.
Mr. Lansana, said the launch of the costed model action plan and Inauguration of committees to implement the VAPP act in Bauchi State is very essential in the successful implemention of this plan, which will enhence the effective implementation of the VAPP Act.
“Your Excellency, I am highly delighted to be here for this important occasion, the importance of this programme is not only for the benefit of Bauchi State, but to all the states of Nigeria.”
