… Inaugurate steering committee
With only four states left to fully domesticate the Violent Against Persons(Prohibition) law, an advocacy pushing for an assent to the VAPP Act earlier passed into law by the Kogi State House of Assembly has commenced with the inauguration of a steering committee to drive the process.
At an event put together by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development(SCDDD), members of the steering committee drawn from the media, Civil Society Organisations, representatives of government and faith-based organisations were saddled with the task of ensuring the Bill is signed into law by Governor Yahaya Bello.
During its maiden meeting held Friday, 20th May, 2022 at the Golden Grand Royale Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State capital, members of the steering committee led by its interim chairman, Mr Abu Michael, agreed on a number of strategies it would deploy in prevailing on the state government to assent to the Bill.
Parts of the strategies includes, media day of action where it intends to explore media platforms to push as well as engaging with key stakeholders towards seeing to the signing and gazetting of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons(Prohibition)- VAPP Bill.
Members of the committee expressed optimism that the Bill would attract speedy attention from Governor Bello in view of its objectives of safeguarding the citizens against violence of any kind, and also considering the Governor’s passion for issues of safety, rights, dignity and security of Kogi people.
The VAPP law is designed to tackle all forms of violence against Persons, in private and public life as well as providing maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment for offenders.
On his part, Senior Program Manager, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development(SCDDD), Sir Bola Abimbola, urged the committee to discharge the assignment with utmost commitment and dedication with a view to achieving the desired success.
With an advocacy language, “ Kogi No Dey Carry Last”, through which it intends to mobilise sufficient goodwill and support for an assent to the Bill, Sir Abimbola stressed that with a little push, the VAAP Bill would be signed into law in the state, acknowledging Governor Bello’s uncommon scorecards in youths and women development as well as persons with disabilities.