From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, has called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts in arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking and gender-based violence, irrespective of their standings in society.
The Bayelsa First Lady, who made the call at a three-day Niger Delta summit on “Raising Teenage Ambassadors Against Traffickers and Propagators of Domestic Violence.”, urged the State and National Assemblies to further strengthen the existing legal framework to deal with the menace.
The two-day Niger Delta summit on “Raising Teenage Ambassadors Against Traffickers and Propagators of Domestic Violence.”, was organised by the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in persons to deliberate on ways to tackle issues of Human trafficking and gender-based violence which was identified as grave human rights abuses.
According to the group, the issues of Human trafficking and gender-based violence have left Teenagers, women, and children more vulnerable to be involuntarily recruited for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, street hawking, and more.
Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Peremobowei Erebulu, in his speech at the event, pledged to lend support to programmes aimed at putting an end to human trafficking and Gender Based Violence.
Organisers are hopeful that the programme will inspire more supportive policies that will strengthen the fight against Human Trafficking and Gender Based Violence.
The event climaxed with the launch of a safe space , a facility aimed at providing support for those facing abuse, and the award presentations to Gender Rights Champions.
Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry the president of the Association in her response to the media stated that she was excited with the outcome of the event having recorded positive commitment from participants that pledged to support the Association build a safe space.
