Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed has inaugurated an implementation committee on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
He called on the committee to work towards ensuring zero tolerance to all forms of violence in the state.
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Inaugurating the committee alongside other members of the Costed Model Action Plan Committee Friday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, the governor said Bauchi state is the first state to domesticate VAPP Act in North Eastern Nigeria.
Governor Bala said implementation of the law will only be possible when funding is provided, and the political will is supported by targeted financial and other resources.
He called on the committee to work in close collaboration and in active synergy with critical stakeholders in order to eliminate violence against persons prohibition in the society.
“We are the first in the North East to demonstrate the VAPP law, yet translating the law into practical action on the ground remains challenging with a persistent gap between commitment and financial support.”
“All stakeholders have an obligation to participate in creating a peaceful and safe environment for the growth and development of the State especially for the security and protection of everyone.”
On the Costed Model Action Plan (CMAP) for the implementation of the VAPP law, the governor said the state government has identified intervention strategies that will have direct impact on the lives and welfare of the most vulnerable persons to violence.
He explained that, the Costed Model Action Plan (CMAP) is a tool that will help produce results through clearly defined activities and targets, careful costing and identification of actors responsible for the implementation.
GovernorBala said, it also provides an implementation strategy and a clearly identified monitoring and evaluation component which included an estimated cost package.
“The Costed Model Action Plan is relevant to the overall response to ending violence against persons in Bauchi State. It offers a multi-sectoral and standardized approach that can be applied at all levels in which its goals are attainable in a specific timeframe.”
He appreciated the partnership and support of the United Nations Women and the Government of United Kingdom for the funding and technical support provided for the implementation of the programme in the state.
Governor Bala said the resources brings to the state government, one step closer to the implementation of the violence against persons prohibition law and elimination of all forms of violence in Bauchi State.
“I welcome the publication of CMAP for the implementation of the Bauchi State VAPP Law. The Government of the State is strongly committed to its successful implementation.”
On her part, the state’s first lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed said the sexual and gender based violence committee constituted by her office is to support the state government in eliminating gender based violence in the state.
In a keynote address, the UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Mr Lansana Wonneh said the organisation is currently implementing a number of projects in Bauchi state in order to assist in improving the living standards of people especially women and children.
“Your Excellency, I am highly delighted to be here for this important occasion, the importance of this programme is not only for the benefit of Bauchi State, but to all the states of Nigeria.”
