Ebonyi GBV Task Force Inspects Government Shelter, Commends Gov. Nwifuru for Commitment to VAAP Law

The Ebonyi State Task Force on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has inspected the newly established government shelter for survivors of abuse, commending Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for demonstrating strong commitment to the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAAP) Law in the State.

The inspection was led by the State Coordinator of the GBV Task Force and Head of the Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit at the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Faithvin Nwanchor. During the visit, Barr. Nwanchor described the shelter as a major milestone in the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of survivors of gender-based violence.

She praised Governor Nwifuru for fulfilling his pledge to provide safe and confidential facilities in line with the provisions of the VAAP Law. She also applauded the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Maryann Nkwegu, for ensuring quality implementation of the project in accordance with Item Seven of the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of the present administration.

Expressing satisfaction with the standard of facilities and equipment installed at the shelter, Barr. Nwanchor noted that the structure would significantly enhance effective enforcement of the VAAP Law across the state. She further appreciated the Wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for her consistent advocacy and unwavering support for vulnerable women and children. “This is exactly what we have always asked for to ensure that the VAAP Law is fully realised. We appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and his wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for helping to fully implement the VAAP Law in Ebonyi State,” she said. Barr. Nwanchor stressed that the shelter is not exclusively for women and children, explaining that men and boys who are survivors of abuse are also entitled to protection and support. She called on all Ebonyi residents to break the culture of silence surrounding gender-based violence and report cases promptly, assuring them that the government has established safe, confidential, and survivor-friendly mechanisms. According to her, the Ministry of Justice and the GBV Task Force remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted while survivors receive comprehensive legal, medical, and psychosocial support. Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on GBV, Barrister Maryann Nkwegu, thanked Governor Nwifuru for responding to the yearnings of the people through policies aligned with the People’s Charter of Needs. She also commended members of the GBV Task Force for their dedication and reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to reduce gender-based violence to the barest minimum. On her part, the Public Relations Officer of the GBV Task Force, Goodness Mgbaja, described the shelter as clear proof of the governor’s determination to win the fight against gender-based violence in Ebonyi State.