The traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has linked the spate of rape cases, and other forms of Gender Based Violence, GBV, across Nigeria with pernicious age-long cultural practices in many communities in the country.
The Obi of Onitsha who spoke during the launch of the Hanan Buhari Foundation which took place at the Presidential Banquet Hall, in Abuja, laid emphasis on the need for early educational development, and implementation of proper laws as means of curbing the epidemic of GBV in Nigeria.
He said, ”I think emphasis has been made on the role of proper laws and the implementation of those laws. The two aspects I like to point out is that education is very important from the earliest times both of the potential victims, but also of the potential perpetrators and I think if we have a more educated society, some of these evils will be reduced. So, I think we should put a lot of emphasis on education and school, but also education in the family.
“And the other aspect also, that we have to pay attention to and I think that in this aspect, we, the traditional rulers and royal fathers have a direct responsibility. There are certain cultural aspects, certain cultural elements that have refused to die and it’s up to us as real fathers and leaders of our communities to make sure that cultural practices in our communities are in compliance with the 21st century. Culture, tradition must evolve with time and cannot be fixed in stone, as if nothing has changed”, he added.
Also speaking at the launch, the minister of women affairs, Pauline Tallen said: “Before I came into office, we had only 12 states that have domesticated the child rights act, but with an aggressive campaign, I am proud to say today the number has increased to 34. We have only two states left.
“I call on all men of goodwill to start with this administration, as we fight gender-based violence. I commend the Hanan Buhari foundation and your team for the great work in putting this together and for calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to join the fight against this dreaded monster that is affecting our children.”
