Central African Republic News Gazette

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), an NGO, have given environmental performance awards to oil and gas industries.

The Director-General of NOSDRA, Idris Musa, said that the awards are a testament to stakeholders’ collective commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and pursuit of excellence within the oil and gas industry.

Musa said this at the maiden edition of the award for the Oil and Gas sector in Abuja.

The award was organised by NOSDRA in collaboration with SDN.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the awardees are TotalEnergies, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and Agip Oil, while Akwa-Ibom received the best environmentally-friendly state award.

He said that the award was to recognize the organisation with the best environmental performance for 2022 and 2023.

Musa said that the performance award was conceived to highlight and reward those that have taken bold steps to address e
nvironmental challenges.

‘It is to showcase significant progress we can achieve when we commit to responsible practices. This initiative also reflects our understanding of the path to sustainability and the need to work together.

‘ It requires collaboration among industry operators, regulatory bodies, local communities and international partners, ‘he said

Musa said that by sharing best practices and leveraging on new technologies among others, the nation could drive the transformative change needed to secure a sustainable future for the oil and gas industry.

He said that NOSDRA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment from the potential devastations arising from the operations of the oil and gas industry.

Musa explained that 73 companies were assessed from 2022 to 2023 based on performance variables, which included submission of incident reporting forms

Other variables are the inventory of spill response equipment stockpiles as a function of preparedness for response.

He said the award is g
rouped into four categories which included the best environmental performance for both local and international oil companies.

Others are most environmentally-friendly states as well as awards for the 2019 and 2020 Environmental Performance Index carried out by SDN.

Florence IbokAbasi, Country Director, SDN said the organisation’s collaboration with NOSDRA was to encourage improved environmental performance in the oil and gas sector.

She advocated for innovation and technical initiatives that would result in reduced oil spills and gas flare in the industry.

IbokAbasi identified some of the challenges in the industry as oil theft, sabotage and insecurity.

She said SDN was collaborating with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, and communities to ensure improved pollution reporting and a safer environment.

Jim Swartz, Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, a recipient of the award, said the organisation has been marked by continuous improvement, innovations an
d collaboration.

He was represented by Sam Daibo, Director, Government Affairs, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA).

‘As we celebrate this environmental protection award, we re-echo our commitment to the partnership with NOSDRA and other stakeholders.

‘The partnership is enhancing good environmental practices. Together we can build a sustainable future for Nigeria,’he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says security forces must remain proactive in the use of technology to address the nation’s security challenges.

Lagbaja said this when he received members of the Technical Committee established by the Ministry of Defense and Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The committee is to advise on the way forward in combating security challenges confronting northern Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was led by the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed-Tijani Jibril.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army had been engaged in its constitutional roles of protecting the country against external aggression and internal subversion with troops deployed in all the 36 states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory.

He said the service had identified that the changing nature and character of conflicts was driven largely by technology.

‘We are glad that this committee set up by the
Ministry of Defence and ONSA has been tasked to identify how we can be a step ahead of the adversary in terms of technology so that we can quickly win all our battles and engagements.

‘So, I want to appreciate the committee looking in that direction and we have also understood through our review that the military effort, the kinetic, will not win this war alone.

‘So, we need all the support, technical or otherwise because the Nigerian Army has a lot of capability,’ he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Jibrin, said the committee visited the army headquarters to get their inputs and further suggestions on how to address the challenges.

He said the committee had the task of identifying the technological gaps that needed to be closed to be able to win the war against insecurity in northern Nigeria.

He urged the COAS and the senior officers to be frank in making their suggestions and inputs.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has advised youths in the territory to harness the vast potential of forest resources sustainably.

‘This is critical to conserving the biodiversity and ecosystem of FCT for future generation’, the Mandate Secretary, Mr Lawan Geidam, said during a sensitisation in Abuja on Friday.

Geidam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Adayilo, explained that the sensitisation was organised to build the capacity of the youths on forest and wildlife exploration.

According to him, the conservation of biodiversity is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem that will serve the interest of all.

He emphasised the need for responsible exploitation of forest resources for sustainable livelihood and economic growth.

He affirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to promoting initiatives that protect endangered wildlife species.

This, he said, was being done through sensitisation, training, and empowerm
ent of youth in economically viable ventures like honey production among others.

‘FCTA is dedicated to global action against practices that endanger wildlife species.

‘This includes promoting eco-tourism, sustainable timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, and carbon offset programmes.

‘Such strategies will not only secure the future of youths but also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems,’ he said.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary stressed the need for synergy with relevant agencies to address security threats in the forest to make them safer for productive activities.

She said that the FCTA was stepping up efforts to raise awareness and enforce stringent penalties for illegal wildlife trade activities.

This, according to her, is in line with the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026.

While recognising the vulnerability of local hunters to engage in wildlife crime, the permanent secretary urged the youths to take advantage of lucra
tive bee production and other alternative livelihood opportunities.

Earlier, Mrs Caroline Opara, the Director of Forestry, FCTA, advocated for an awareness campaign against the poaching and selling of endangered species in the FCT.

Opara also said that the Endangered Species Act of 2016, stipulates stringent penalties for wildlife-related crimes.

‘This is a crucial tool in safeguarding dwindling populations of wild animals and preserving biodiversity,’ she said.

She emphasised that endangered species, when pushed to the brink of extinction by human activities, would disrupt the ecosystem balance.

‘The continuous killing of these species not only reduces their populations but also has far-reaching negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

‘For example, the pangolin, known for its voracious insect-eating habits, plays a vital role in regulating insect pest populations, thereby benefiting agricultural productivity,’ she pointed out.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisat
ion was against illegal poaching and trafficking of wildlife species as well as capacity building on honey production.

The event had participants from the FCT Bee Farmers Association, and hunters and youth groups from the six Area Councils of the FCT. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government says agritourism development in Nigeria will strengthen food and nutrition security as well as encouraging industrialisation for wealth and job creation.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, made this submission at the 2024 World Agri-tourism Day on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that agritourism, a short form of agricultural tourism, is a form of tourism that involves visitors participating in or experiencing various aspects of agricultural activities.

The minister said that agritourism also aimed to enhance the current capacity and growth in the non-oil sector.

Abdullahi said the theme of the event, ‘Food Security for All’ was in consonant with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of State of Emergency on food security.

He said that the theme was also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu to promote agritourism development in Nigeria which was geared towards an agricultural revolution.

Abdullahi expl
ained that agritourism encompassed a range of activities, including farm tours, agricultural festivals, farm stays, and educational programmes that connected visitors with the agricultural landscape.

‘It benefits both farmers, who gain additional income and tourists who gain insights into the agricultural world/activities relating to agritourism.

‘Agritourism ranges from farm tours and workshops to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm-produced goods among others.

‘Agritourism presents a unique opportunity to combine aspects of the tourism and agriculture industries to provide a number of financial, educational, and social benefits to tourists, producers, and communities,’ he said.

Earlier, the President, World Agritourism Organisation (WAO), Amb. Trust Ogboi, said that the enormous value in agritourism would generate huge foreign exchange to the Nigeria economy and beyond national boundary.

Ogboi said that the Organisation was in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to establish Nigerian Agr
itourism Villages in the 36 states and FCT to ensure food security, job creation and attract investment.

He expressed hope that WAO would metamorphose into United Nations World Agritourism Organisation like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO).

In a remark, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), said that food security and industrialisation of the economy was at the center of Tinubu’s administration.

He said that every Nigerian must work towards achieving the food security agenda of the Federal Government to ensure that food was available to all.

In a goodwill message, the Country Director, World Food Programme (WFP) in Nigeria, Mr David Stevenson, said the Organisation was humbled by the progress it had made in advancing food security and rural development in Nigeria.

According to him, agritourism stands as a beacon of promise for Nigeria, offering a myriad of benefits including heightened food production, rural community developm
ent, job creation, and bolstered foreign exchange.

‘As we commemorate World Agri-Tourism Day, Nigeria is presented with a golden opportunity to spotlight agriculture and agri-tourism as key drivers of progress,’ he said.

Stevenson was represented by Mrs Olabisi Ogungbemi, Lead for Government Relations, United Nations World Food Programme, Nigeria.

Also, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri- Erewa, represented by Felix Imologhume, said that agritourism would help support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.

She said it would also empower small- scale farmers, rural communities, support local economies as well as community development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

On May 14, the High Powered-Presidential Committee on Nigeria’s Extended Continental Shelf Project was in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The committee came to brief President Bola Tinubu on recommendations given to Nigeria regarding its submission for an extended continental shelf by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

The briefing was led by veteran diplomat, Amb. Hassan Tukur, the Chairman of the committee.

The update with the president featured technical presentations by Prof. Larry Awosika, a renowned marine scientist and Mr Aliyu Omar, Member/Secretary of the Committee and former staff of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

Omar also served as the Desk Officer for the project office in New York for several years.

Worthy of note, Nigeria’s request to have it continental shelf extended was approved by the CLCS in August 2023.

The project, which aims to extend Nigeria’s maritime boundaries in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS), has granted Nigeria sovereignty over an additional 16,300 square kilometers of maritime territory.

This is roughly five times the size of Lagos State.

The CLCS is mandated to, inter alia, consider the data and information submitted and provide recommendations on the outer limits submitted by the coastal state.

Article 76 of UNCLOS (1982) allows a qualifying coastal state to extend its continental shelf up to a maximum of 350M (350 nautical miles) or 150m nautical miles beyond its traditional Exclusive Economic Zone of 200 nautical miles.

Continental shelf is the natural submerged prolongation of its land territory.

The journey to extend Nigeria’s continental shelf project began in 2009 with the country’s submission to the CLCS.

The project faced delays due to a lack of funds and administrative challenges; in 2013 the Senate of the Federal Republic in its resolution of Feb. 14, 2013, urged the Federal Government to fund the project and set up an independent body to handle it.

However, it w
as only in November, 2015 that the then President Muhammadu Buhari revitalised it.

Subsequently, he appointed the High-Powered Presidential Committee (HPPC), headed by the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Malam Abubakar Malami, to oversee the project.

The HPPC operated as an independent technical body, effectively managing the project by cutting down on government bureaucracy.

Omar had led the Nigerian Technical Team through the question-and-answer sessions with the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

He was also the Member/Secretary of the HPPC with strong institutional memory of the project, highlighted this during the committee’s briefing to President Tinubu on May 14.

Omar said that when the HPPC briefed Buhari in 2022 on the status of the project, the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) was still considering Nigeria’s submission and having technical interactions with the HPPC.

‘These interactions and cons
ideration have now culminated in the approval for Nigeria to extend its continental shelf beyond 200M (200 nautical miles).

‘As it stands now, the area approved for Nigeria is about 16,300 square kilometers, which is about five times the size of Lagos State’, he said.

Nigeria’s extended continental shelf is in an area that is referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle of the Gulf of Guinea’ due to its abundance of natural resources such as hydrocarbons, natural gas, and a variety of solid minerals.

Awosika, a pioneer member and former Chairman of the CLCS, explained that the technical team’s work involved lengthy processes.

He said it also required highly technical steps in the acquisition, processing and analysis of extensive marine scientific data offshore Nigeria’s margin for the submission to the UN CLCS.

He said that the Nigerian team had to defend the submission with the CLCS which involved highly technical question-and-answer sessions and provision of additional data and information.

Receiving the repor
t, Tinubu commended the members of the technical team for working tirelessly.

He applauded their high technical and scientific expertise and solidarity to national cause throughout the eight years of service to the nation before an agreement was finally reached with the UN CLCS in August, 2023.

It is instructive to note that Tinubu highlighted the interactions he had with his predecessor, Buhari, on the project; given that it was him, Buhari, who set up the HPPC to oversee the project in 2015.

Tinubu recounted how Buhari briefed him on the importance of the project.

‘This is big congratulations for Nigeria. I commend the team and we must take advantage of this and invite you again to have a repeat of this knowledge exploration on geography, hydrography and the marine life.

‘Nigeria is grateful for the efforts that you put into gaining additional territory for the country without going to war; some nations went to war; lost people and economic opportunities.

‘We lost nothing but have gained great benefit
s for Nigeria; we will pursue the best option for the country,’Tinubu said.

Tinubu has also promised to ‘pursue the best option for the country’ on the project, even though the CLCS recommendations fall short of Nigeria’s submitted claim.

Perceptive observers say the achievement is a lesson on the importance of continuity in government projects. Abandoning projects due to changes in administration can lead to wasted resources and lost opportunities.

The extended continental shelf is a significant achievement of Tinubu’s administration and to Nigeria.

According to experts, this is something that has never happened in the nation’s history, and may never happen again.

By learning from the ECS project, Nigeria can improve its approach to governance and project management, ensuring that with perseverance and continuity strategic initiatives are completed despite challenges.

The ECS project, initiated in 2009, faced delays and funding issues but persistence through the efforts of the immediate past administra
tion paid off, and was finally approved by the UN in August 2023, shortly after Tinubu assumed office.

The country has taken note of articles 7 and 8 in the Annex II to the Convention on the Law of the Sea concerning recommendations received from the CLCS.

The project also demonstrates the importance of long-term thinking in governance.

Discerning stakeholders hold that while the project’s benefits may not be immediate, it will surely have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy and maritime boundaries in the future. (NANFeatures)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 26 Short Service Course (SSC) Association, have donated food items, toiletries and other consumables to Abuja Children Home, Karu.

The General Secretary of the association, retired Brig.-Gen. Bassey Etuk, in a statement on Friday, said the gesture was part of their humanitarian activities to give back to the society.

Etuk said the visit and donation to the orphanage was part of activities to mark the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association codenamed, SSC 26 Nigerian Army (NA) Biz.

He said the association had in 2023, introduced humanitarian activity into its AGM where spouses of members visit orphanages.

Etuk said the 2024 AGM was the 12th in the series, adding that their spouses visited the Abuja Children Home (ACH) in Karu where various items were donated.

According to him, the items include bags of various types of grains, cartons of biscuits and Indomie noodles, sanitary tissues and used clothing items.

‘The Forum was formed to enhance espirit-d
e-corps, foster bond of friendship, promote cordial relationship and look into the welfare of retired members and their families.

‘The Association’s next AGM will be its 13th and also the 40th Anniversary of members of NDA 26 SSC since they were commissioned as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has inducted nine scientists as Fellows to propagate science knowledge across the country.

NAS President, Prof. Ekanem Braide, said this in Abuja on Thursday at the Induction of Fellows and Public Lecture titled ‘Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions: Options and Challenges.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, a scientist with the Research and Development Centre of NASRDA, was among the inductees.

Braide told the new inductees that their induction into the academy was a call to join in addressing several national and international issues, according to the NAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

‘You will be required to increase visibility, impact of science, conduct strategic advocacy at the highest level, strenthen the academy’s advisory function, strengthen strategic partnerships.

‘Your induction today is a call to service at a higher level and not a signal for rest, you will be required to implement tasks assigned
to NAS by government, industry and other stakeholders and promote the visibility of our academy,’ Braide said.

The president urged the new inductees to uphold the tenets of the academy, adding that NAS was a respectable institution.

According to her, NAS has engaged in several initiatives targeted at advancing science and technology.

The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Shaba, said the induction of a scientist from NASRDA, was an indication that the academy still upheld its standards, adding that the agency made a good choice by choosing Rabiu.

‘Anywhere you go, Prof. Rabiu is a world class scientist and it is an honour to the agency and we are so proud and happy.’

The director-general said that the inducted scientists had bridged the gap in unpopular areas of science, hence the need for them to be celebrated.

Prof. Pius Okeke, a renowned Asyronomy Physicist and mentor to Rabiu, said he wasn’t surprised at Rabiu’s achievements.

‘I am happy for his achievements and I pray he achieves even greater t
hings.’

Okeke called on the government to invest in space, science and technology, saying that the sector required huge funding.

‘The individual scientists are doing well, but the government should help and increase the science budget as obtainable in other climes.’

Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo, President, Ugandan National Academy of Science (UNAS), while delivering a lecture on the theme, called on scientists to fight against sexual harassment in their different institutions.

Kyomuhendo pointed out that sexual harassment could be addressed but must be fully institutionalised within structures and policies in the universities.

‘Gender norms that define, prescribe behaviour, positions and entitlements must be addressed and sexual harassment is a whole university approach,’ she said.

Rabiu, who is also the Executive Director, UN African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education-English(UN-ARCSSTEE),

felt elated on his induction

He said his induction would encourage and energise to do more for
the country and for mankind, while calling on other scientists not to despair.

‘I feel fulfilled in my country, because this is the highest scientific academic body in the country.

‘Scientists should continue to be diligent and we should not allow some predicaments to hold us down.

‘Our delivery should not depend on the resources that are freely available, we should put in our best, sacrifice, strive to make global footprints.

‘While you are working for the system, you are also working for yourself because your productivity speaks for you at the end of the day, so strive to be more productive, diligent, focused and not to be demoralised,’ he said.

Prof. Olapeju Aiyelaagbe, another inductee and only female, said young female students should strive to do more, adding that science was not as difficult as portrayed.

It would be recalled that the scientists were nominated, voted for by colleagues and inducted following their feats they recorded in their different areas of specialisation.

These included spac
e physics, organic chemistry, neurology, medicine, among others.

Other inductees were Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, Prof. James Olopade, Prof. Rufus Akinyemi, Prof. Fabian Ezema, Prof. Nnabuk Eddy, Prof. Etinosa Igbinosa and Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has commended members of Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO) for their sacrifices and parts they played in defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Tinubu gave the commendation at the 36th National Annual General Meeting of RANAO on Thursday in Abuja.

The meeting with the theme: ‘In Pursuit of the Aspirations of the Founding Fathers’ was organised by the Association.

The President, represented by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, said members of RANAO and the veteran community answered the national call during the darkest period of the nation’s history.

‘I want to express, not only my administration’s appreciation, but indeed, the entire nation’s gratitude for the huge sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces, both serving and retired, have made and, are making to keep the country safe from the enemies both within and outside.

‘I am aware that having retired, the President and his members in RANAO are no longer on active d
uty.

‘However, I am equally aware that, as the saying goes, once a soldier, always a soldier.

‘For you members of the RANAO, it is on record that while in service, you toiled, sweated, and scarified as much as your younger and active-duty colleagues are doing currently.

‘Glancing through your matured faces seated before me, it is obvious that a good number of you were active participants in the Civil War that happened more than 50 years ago,’ Tinubu said.

The President tasked RANAO to provide leadership for the rest of the veterans community, adding that, members of RANAO had exhibited more measured approach in the pursuit of issues affecting them.

Earlier, the National President of RANAO, Retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulhafeez Adewuyi, said the association, planted as a seed about 37 years ago in Oyo State had experienced remarkable achievements.

According to Adewuyi, the meeting is also a forum where members take stock and map out strategies within the association

‘As a leading element of the veteran associat
ion in Nigeria, the National Annual General Meeting provides the association the opportunity to share experience and oneness among members.

‘It also gives opportunity to engage in healthy discussions on the various facets of national discuss with the view to structure contributions of veterans towards national development,’ he said

Adewuyi noted that the association was aware that Tinubu’s administration inherited a colossal governance burden, characterised by a fractured polity.

According to him, the evidence could be seen in the cleavages of ethnocentrism, sectionalism and religious extremism.

‘We identify with you in your conscious efforts to navigate the ship of Nigeria out of the tortuous sea of poverty and economy depression,’ Adewuyi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that high points of the event was the investitures of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd) and Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.)

Some other personalities were also given a
wards for their contributions to the progress of the association.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mrs Patience Agyare-Kwabi, Director of the Women’s Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, (KAIPTC) has emphasized the importance of capacity-building for local actors to the reduction of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the West and Central Africa sub-region.

She noted that empowering individuals and communities would foster stronger advocacy and education efforts in the fight against the GBV scourge.

Mrs Agyare-Kwabi was speaking at the opening of a five-day training in Cotonou, Benin to equip local actors with the skills to combat GBV.

It brought together 29 participants from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), legal practitioners, the media, religious leaders and traditional authorities.

The programme, under the theme: ‘Enhancing the Capacity of Local Actors to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence in Benin’, was organized by WYPSI of the KAIPTC, with funding from the Sweden International Developm
ent Agency (SIDA).

Mrs Patience Agyare-Kwabi

‘This initiative aligns with the KAIPTC’s broader strategic objective of supporting African nations in implementing the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security,’ Mrs Agyare-Kwabi said.

She also underscored the collective responsibility of all to create a future free from violence, discrimination, and fear for all women and girls across Africa.

The fight against GBV, she stressed, require a multifaceted approach, and ‘this program is to help you as local actors to play a vital role in achieving lasting change in your communities and country as a whole,’ she said.

Mrs Agyare-Kwabi encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and translate the acquired knowledge into concrete actions within their communities.

She remained hopeful that the training would enhance individual knowledge, foster positive attitu
des, and encourage teamwork among local actors-ultimately creating a more comprehensive approach to preventing GBV-leading to a safer future for women and girls.

Some participants at the opening session of the training

Participants explored existing legal frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW), while highlighting the critical role of local actors in promoting a culture of peace, equality, and respect for all.

The participants were exposed to the growing understanding of the links between poverty, insecurity, and GBV, particularly in the context of limited capacity of local actors and low rates of prosecution of GBV perpetrators in many communities across the sub-region.

President of Benin’s National Platform on Religious Affairs, Sa Majesté Dada Daagbo, in his remarks commended KAIPTC for the initiative.

GBV in most communities, he said, often went unreported beca
use of fear of victimization.

He shared his observation that the workshop had allowed participants deepen their knowledge appropriate to preventing GBV in their communities.

Sa Majesté Daagbo who is one of the most important figures in the Voodo religion in West Africa, also highlighted the need for awareness creation, saying, ‘I would like to encourage the KAIPTC to endeavour to translate the key learning points from the training into the local languages of the countries where the project is taking place so as to help sustain awareness.’

Madam Myriam Capo-Chichi, president of Family Nutrition Development, an NGO dedicated to GBV issues in Benin, in her remarks noted that while Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in her country had invested in eradication strategies, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continued to rise at an alarming rate, with women and girls being the primary targets.

She stressed that effective outcomes from the training would depend on the efforts and contributions of all local actors who com
mit their energies to eradicating the GBV scourge.

Source: Ghana News Agency