The Mandate Secretary for Women and Children Affairs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has revealed that 2,344 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been reported in the region.

During a meeting with On Air Personalities (OAPs), influencers, and media personalities in Abuja, she highlighted the challenges in reporting and bringing such incidents to public attention.

Benjamins-Laniyi acknowledged the importance of engaging with OAPs and influencers to raise awareness and trigger consciousness about GBV.

She emphasized the impact of increased awareness and a stronger will to report, noting that reported cases have risen from a thousand to 2,344.

The Mandate Secretary expressed her commitment to the GBV campaign, with a specific focus on gender-based disability violence.

Commending the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their proactive approach to gender-related issues, Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted the comprehensive structure of the secretariat, which includes 10 departments, 40 divisions, and 15 units.

She underscored the importance of targeted interventions to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including women, adolescent girls, children, and persons with disabilities.

Addressing the history of atrocities against women, Benjamins-Laniyi urged OAPs and reporters to maintain balance in their reporting on GBV.

She announced the commencement of the 16 days of activism against GBV, themed “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children,” starting on Saturday.

The initiative will include a walk led by dignitaries such as the Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the Commandant of the NSCDC.

Additionally, Senator Ireti Kingibe’s “Orange Nigeria Project” was highlighted as a collaborative effort in the fight against GBV, with the FCT contributing to the larger national initiative.