COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE SECOND EDITION OF JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA FOUNDATION ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES

Hon. Esther Eghaghe (2nd From Left), Representing the Governor

The second edition of Josemaria Escriva Foundation Annual Lecture Series was organized by Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) in conjunction with Esan West Local Government Council and Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO), held on Tuesday 30th June, 2020 at the Esan West LGC Council Hall, Ekpoma, Edo State.

The theme, Rape and Gender Based Violence: The Silence and Conspiracy of Stakeholders. The issue of rape and the various challenges that follow has been a major concern in our society and very worrisome. The event brought together stakeholders from different background and diverse organization attracted various remarks all of which were condemning the act of rape.

Hon. Princess Esther Eghaghe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in Esan West Local Government Area represented The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obseki and also gave a good will message on his behalf.

The Lecture on Rape and Gender Based Violence – The Silence and Conspiracy of Stakeholders was delivered by Dr. Mathew A. Izibili PhD, the Board of Trustees Chairman of JOSEF; there was a drama session for JOSEF Volunteers and AGC Ukpenu, a panel discussion and the climax was the presentation and adoption of the communique.

Dr. Mathew Izibili delivering the lecture

JOSEF Volunteer & AGC Ukpenu

Key Concerns

From the presentations, panel discussion and the interactive deliberations which followed generated the following concerns:

1. That some victims of rape and Gender-Based Violence are ignorant of what to do at the onset..

2. That there are many factors in our society that encourage rape especially where the blame is on the female gender.

3. That stakeholders, parents or guardians of the survivors of Gender-Based Violence will do everything possible to cover up the mess caused either to them directly or caused by a member of the family to another all in attempt to massage their ego.

4. That the perpetrators are not punished thereby there is no deterrent for others.

5. That there are bottle necks right from the community through the police and the justice system.

Key Resolutions

The forum therefore resolved as follows:

1. That the emergency situation already declared by the Governors Forum on Rape and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) should be backed with actions to ensure that the citizens understand what they entail.

2. That victims should be given adequate access to healthcare and other services including free medical services.

3. That the judicial bottlenecks that delay justice should be removed to ensure that justice is gotten as soon as possible.

4. That balanced and holistic sex education should be given to all gender.

5. That all efforts should be made to rebuild the family values that existed many years ago.

6. That religious and traditional leaders should braced up to the challenges and stop the blame game and be more committed in ensuring that taboos as it related to sex and promiscuity are handled properly.

7. That the security agents should play their expected roles in upholding and enforcing the law without discrimination of social class and personalities involved as well as not putting undue burden on the victim.

8. That the general public, parents, guardians, care givers and everyone to always be bold to speak out without intimidation Rape and GBV are felonious act against the State wherein they are witnesses hence should desist from collecting money as a way of out of court settlement. .

9. That the Government through the various Ministries, Department, Agencies and Committees that has been saddled with the responsibilities to handle rape and other related matters to stand up to their responsibilities with emphasis on the Nigeria Police Force (being the first place of call) Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues (for social support), Ministry of Health (for access to healthcare) and Ministry of Justice (for quick dispensation of justice)

For the Stakeholders:

Mrs. Maria Edeko Omozele Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues

Rev. Fr. Fidelis Arhedo Justice Development & Peace Commission, Uromi

Mallam UAC Aliu Esan Muslim Da’Awah Jamah, Ekpoma

Dr. Francis Erah Nigeria Medical Association

Mr. Ovbioise O. Felix National Human Rights Commission

Dr. Jude Obasanmi PhD. Josemaria Escrivia Foundation

Dr. Mathew A. Izibili PhD. Board of Trustees, Josemaria Escrivia Foundation

Prof. Mrs. E. Ifidon Lecturer, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

Dr. Bright Oniovokukor Indomitable Youths Organization