Our Reporter | November 29, 2024:
CALABAR — Chief Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has emphasized his commitment to addressing the issue of violence against women and girls in Cross River, declaring zero tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls.
In a statement to mark the 2024 edition of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Chief Duke reiterated the NDDC's zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and pledged to use his position to drive meaningful change in the state.
Chief Duke informed that SGBV remains a pressing issue in Cross River's communities, exacerbating poverty and hampering development. He emphasized the need for tailored interventions to protect vulnerable women and girls, particularly in rural areas.
"As a proud son of Cross River, I understand the unique challenges our women and girls face, from urban centers to remote villages. Violence against them is an affront to our shared values of dignity and respect. At the NDDC, we are committed to ensuring that Cross River becomes a model for tackling gender-based violence in the Niger Delta region," he said.
Chief Duke acknowledged the progress made by Cross River State government led by Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu in addressing GBV, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law by the State House of Assembly in 2021. He stressed the importance of implementing the law at the grassroots level, where many cases of GBV remain underreported or ignored.
"We applaud the bold steps taken by our state government in enacting the VAPP Law. However, laws must translate to action on the ground. We must ensure that survivors in our communities can access justice, and perpetrators are held accountable," Chief Duke added.
He noted that the NDDC, through its programs, is committed to promoting the welfare of women and girls in Cross River. Initiatives include community awareness campaigns, economic empowerment projects for women, and partnerships with local organizations to support survivors of GBV.
The former lawmaker also called for collaboration among traditional rulers, local governments, and civil society groups in Cross River to foster a culture of zero tolerance for violence. He urged citizens to be vigilant and proactive in reporting and preventing abuse in their communities.
"The fight against gender-based violence is not for one organization or individual—it is a collective responsibility. We must unite as Cross Riverians to reject violence in all forms and create an environment where our women and girls can thrive," he stated.
The 16 Days of Activism, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, underscores global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. This year's theme, "UNiTE: Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls," aligns with Chief Duke's vision for a safer and more equitable Cross River.
In closing, Chief Duke reaffirmed his personal commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender equity and uplift women and girls across the state.
"As your representative at the NDDC, I will continue to champion policies and projects that empower our women and girls, ensuring they live without fear of violence. Together, we can build a Cross River State where everyone has the opportunity to flourish," he concluded.
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