News (The Nation) – Stakeholders hail (OCI) Foundation for Bill initiating SGBV in schools

Stakeholders hail foundation for bill initiating SGBV in schools

Source: The Nation News (02/09/2022)

By: Frank Ikpefan (Abuja, Nigeria)

Stakeholders in the education sector have applauded the House of Representatives for passing into Second Reading a bill seeking mandatory inclusion of preventive teachings and conceptual appreciation on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the curriculum of secondary schools.

In a statement in Abuja on Friday, the stakeholders observed that when passed into law, the bill will provide a platform that will sustainably tackle the increasing issues of sexual and gender-based violence and its related offenses in Nigeria.

They commended the initiator of the bill, Onyebuchi Ifediora, OCI Foundation, and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, representing the Owan Federal Constituency, for their efforts in championing the bill.

Speaking after the passage of the bill, an Abuja-based lawyer and OCI Foundation’s Legal Research Assistant and Liaison Officer to the NASS, Ms Vivian Obinwa, said she was inspired by the results and feedback from several schools and community advocacy sensitisation programmes she personally championed in the past.

Ms Obinwa is also a social justice and sustainable development enthusiast, whose passion gravitates towards advocacy for child/women protection and development.