By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), has trained 30 community leaders in Adankolo, Lokoja Local Government Area, on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
Our correspondent reports that Legal expert Barrister Joy Akinola facilitated the session, while PIBCID Executive Director, Remilekun Rachael Akande, coordinated the programme.
The Etsu of Adankolo, His Royal Highness Chief Elder David Aibe Agbayi (JP), and community leaders,including Hajia Sadiq Lami, were among the participants.
The capacity-building training took place in Adankolo, Lokoja LGA, recently as part of efforts to curb violence within the community.
The VAPP law, enacted in Nigeria in 2015 and later domesticated in Kogi State, seeks to eliminate violence in private and public spheres, protect victims, and hold offenders accountable.
The training aimed to equip community leaders with the knowledge to promote a culture of respect, protection, and legal redress.
During the session, Barr. Joy Akinola gave a detailed presentation on the provisions of the VAPP Law, explaining that the legislation addresses physical, emotional, economic, sexual abuse, and emerging issues such as cyberstalking and psychological violence.
According to her,the law provides legal instruments such as protection and safety orders to shield victims from further harm.
According to Barr. Akinola, understanding the law at the grassroots level is critical to eliminating harmful traditional practices, domestic abuse, and gender-based violence.
“This law is not about gender; it is about justice and protection for all. Ignorance is no excuse under the law, and that’s why we’re here today,” she said.
She also emphasized the significance of the law’s provisions for punishing offenders, including fines, imprisonment, or other penalties based on the severity of the offense.
The PIBCID Executive Director, Remilekun Rachael Akande, reiterated the importance of community sensitization.
“Now that the VAPP law has been domesticated in Kogi State, it is crucial that our communities understand its content and implications,” she noted.
The traditional ruler of Adankolo, Chief Elder David Aibe Agbayi, described the training as timely and impactful. “This awareness campaign is very important to the peace and well-being of our people,” he said.
Hajia Sadiq Lami, one of the participants, confessed that she had lived in ignorance about many aspects of the law before the session. “Thanks to this training, I am now empowered to share this knowledge with other women in the community,” she said.
With the successful sensitization of 30 community leaders, PIBCID and NWTF have taken a major step toward grassroots enforcement of the VAPP Law in Lokoja.
The initiative is expected to contribute to reducing violence and promoting justice and equity across Kogi State.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
