The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs George Akume has expressed worry over the rising cases of gender-based violence in the country.
Akume spoke with newsmen in Abuja on the sideline of the event organised by the Centre for Peace advocacy and Susteinable Development, CEPAD to commemorate 16 days activism movement.
The Minister, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Minister, Fatima Ibellegoto said for Nigeria to achieve national peace, the issue of gender based violence must be tackled.
Akume said he has had a lot of empowerment programmes for the youths, including the Almajaris, and also taking youths off the street.
On her part, Fatima advised women to empower themselves through hard work and independence, stressing that over-reliance on a man can lead to gender based violence.
Also speaking at the event, Founder Destined Child International Foundation Mary-Rose Oduche highlighted workable solutions that would address issues of gender based violence while stressing that the figures were alarming.
Executive Director CEPAD Austin Igwechi emphasized on the need to initiate solution driven methodologies to deal with issues of gender based violence.
