By Emmanuella Abah
The Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, a Non-governmental Organisation has educated the students of Government Secondary School Yangoji, on the need to speak up against all forms of Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
Ms Josphine Emeghoghena, the project officer who represented Mrs Abiodun Essiet the Executive Director of the Initiative, said that it was very important to teach teenagers and young adults on the need to speak up when abused or where they see someone being abused.
During the sensitization, she echoed the need for students when they “See something; to Say something”.
She said that abuse could happen anywhere, whether at home, at schools, at religious environments and even in the market places.Essiet urged students to report to the appropriate authorities in the school and to seek guidance and counseling.
The school principal, Mrs Rukaiya Adaviruku during her remark to the students said that they must know their rights in order to know when they’re being abused.Adaviruku said that, that was why sensitization such as this was important both for student’s and teachers.
She appreciated the NGO for the initiative to educate and enlighten the students on SGBV.
“This organisations promised to speak for only 30 minutes and now we have spent almost two hours.
“This is because SGBV is a very important issue in our society and students are very easy to fall victims.
“I appeal to you all to always speak up when you see something, tell any of the teachers, even if you are being abused at home.
“Come to me and tell me, and we will inform the appropriate authorities and help you out of thay situation, ” she said.
The students appreciated the organisers of the sensitization and promised to speak up when ever they saw something abusive.
