By Emeka Nwokocha
The Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI) and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, has charged men to use their masculinity to protect women and ensure their voices are heard and also ensure that the dignity and worth of every human person are upheld in the burgeoning Nigerian society.
Pst. Egedegbe gave the charge, Tuesday, while leading a peaceful procession to promote campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, organised by the Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ), in collaboration with Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development (NDWPD) and the Male Feminist Network (MFN).
The event drew support from ActionAid, Renewed Women Voice and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Centre-LSD.
Speaking, Amb. Egedegbe emphasised the need for collective action in building a violence-free society, stating that the procession aims to amplify collective voices of well-meaning Deltans to combat SGBV and send a strong message that violence in any form is unacceptable.
Egedegbe stated that traditions, religion and cultural festivals should serve as platforms for unity rather than division and violence.
He further stressed that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law domesticated in Delta State since 2020, remains in force and takes precedence whenever cultural, traditional, or religious practices conflict with the law.
“There are laws that prohibit violence. Sexual, domestic, economic, social, and verbal violence have all been criminalised under the VAPP Law,” he stated.
Receiving the groups at his palace, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, JP, who was represented by his wife, Queen Ofejiro Elo Ogbogbo, expressed appreciation to the various organisations for the peaceful procession and the important message they brought to the kingdom.
She described the people of Ozoro as peace-loving and respectful towards women, adding that as a Queen Mother, she strongly believes in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Queen Ogbogbo reaffirmed her commitment to promoting gender equality and opposing all forms of actions and practices that threaten the dignity, safety, and livelihoods of women and girls.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Deacon Godwin Ogorugba, commended the organisers for championing a noble cause. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and praised the participants for making out time from their busy schedules to support the campaign against gender-based violence.
He emphasized the importance of promoting decent dressing among women and girls. He stated that decent dressing encourages respect and dignity, adding that he does not tolerate any form of indecent dressing within the council as a moral wake up call.
The personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), members of the Gender Studies Directorate, and Students of Southern Delta University, Ozoro amongst others participated in the peace walk.
