Edo State Has Zero Tolerance For GBV ––Oshiomhole

BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR

THE Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, has said that the state government has zero tolerance for all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state, saying it will prosecute anyone found culpable.

Oshiomhole who spoke at the Conference marking the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, organized by the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues in the state was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian.

He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to addressing all forms of GBV

The event which held at the Festival Hall of the Edo State Government House in Benin City, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about GBV.

According to Oshiomhole, “The 16 Days of Activism is an annual initiative aimed at sensitizing the public about GBV. At the Edo State Ministry of Health, we are intoler­ant of all forms of abuse against women, girls, boys, and men. Women play crucial roles in our society, and this is why we are putting measures in place to protect them”.

He linked GBV to broader health and welfare con­cerns, noting, “You cannot discuss the welfare of an individual without addressing their health. As we climax the 16 Days of Activism, we renew our commit­ments to ending violence against women and girls. The Government takes GBV seriously, as evidenced by the successful conviction of several offenders, with others currently facing trial”.

The Health Commis­sioner highlighted the roles of the Sexual As­sault Referral Centre in Edo State, which provides comprehensive care for survivors of sexual as­sault. “We have dedicated doctors and other health personnel; ensuring vic­tims receive proper care. However, stigma remains a significant challenge, preventing many victims from speaking out. The more we address stigma, the more empowered vic­tims will feel to come for­ward,” he explained.

He called on victims to speak up and assured them of the State Govern­ment’s support. “We urge victims to come forward, and we will ensure they receive the necessary help while ensuring perpe­trators face justice,” he concluded.