FCT Celebrates 100 Days of Impactful Initiatives, report 3072 GBV cases

The Mandate Secretary of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Women Affairs Secretariat has marked its first 100 days in office under Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi’s leadership and report 3072 gender Base Violence (GBV) cases in the capital city.

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In a media pally with Journalists in Abuja the nations capital, the Mandate Secretary highlighted efforts to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Enhance Security in FCT.

The Mandate Secretary of FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, gave a comprehensive overview of the achievements and initiatives during the first 100 days in office.

She expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of timely actions in the season of dispensational representation.

The 100-day milestone was marked by a reflection on the journey and a commitment to ongoing efforts.

“On assumption of office on 24 October 2023, as pioneer Mandate Secretary of the newly created Women Affairs Secretariat, we hit the ground running with stakeholders’ consultations with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, office of the Minister of State for FCT and office of the Distinguished Senator representing FCT in the Senate.

“We also embarked on familiarization visits to different women groups in the FCT, including the Market Women,” she added.

On Gender-Based Violence Sensitization Program, the mandate Secretary said she initiated a program addressing GBV with a focus on data reporting, resulting in a threefold increase in reported cases.

“UN Women 16 Days of Advocacy hosted a successful advocacy program against GBV, fostering collaboration with various organizations and achieving significant impact.

“Adolescent Girl Child Empowerment secured approval for a dedicated day for the adolescent girl child and implemented a pilot project benefiting 310 girls aged 12 to 20.”

She said that the Elderly Support Initiative Organized a program providing hope and support for individuals aged 65 and above, reaching 250 beneficiaries with medical check-ups and cash interventions.

“We distributed palliatives to the elderly during the festive season, making a positive impact on the lives of approximately 120 individuals.

“We Conducted thorough inspections of various facilities under the Women Affairs Secretariat, including derelict but historically significant buildings. The Children’s Adoption and Social Welfare Services extended efforts in children’s adoption and social welfare services, facilitating adoptions from orphanage homes,” she said.

She said the secretariat has actively engaged with community leaders, royal highnesses, and stakeholders to ensure representation and address specific challenges.

Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized an ongoing commitment to representational standards, institution administration, and delivering on promises for women, children, and vulnerable demographics in FCT.

The mandate Women Affairs Secretary, FCT, announced plans to resuscitate and activate projects, including the renovation of a building donated by the late First Lady Maryam Babangida, demonstrating a commitment to preserving legacies.

Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi assured continued dedication to serving the people of FCT and fostering positive change for women, children, and vulnerable communities.

Addressing concerns on abysmal figures of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the FCT, she reported 3072 GBV cases, outlining strategic plans for curbing insecurity, especially one-chance incidents targeting women.

“We are collaborating with security chiefs and the FCT police command, security issues required sensitivity in handling such cases, especially focusing on gender-based violence,” she said.

She also highlighted efforts to address disability-based violence and pledged continued collaboration with CSOs, NGOs, and hospitals to combat GBV effectively.

The Secretary’s commitment to accountability and transparency in her 100-day report reflects a proactive stance towards women’s safety and development in the Federal Capital Territory.