Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government has re-affirmed its commitment to protecting the girl child in the state.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said this during a seminar on “breaking the silence on sexual abuse, the Psychological and mental effects of abuse” at the Holy Rosary Girls Secondary School, Port Harcourt on Friday, 11th October, 2019.
Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo during the seminar reaffirmed her commitment to put an end to all forms of abuse and discrimination of the Girl Child.
The seminar was organized by her Office to Commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2019.
Represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Barr. Inegogo Fubara, Dr. Banigo said several years ago the push when talking about protecting the rights of the Girl Child had to do with education, right now we have surmounted the challenges of educating the Girl Child, we are now faced with the challenge of sexual abuse.
“This increased sexual abuse happening in homes, churches, schools are the reason why we are here today to educate you on what you need to do to protect yourself as we have been going around secondary schools to do this”. Dr. Banigo quipped.
Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo who commended the resource persons for their erudite presentations urged the girls to keep all they have heard in their hearts.
“It may not be for you, maybe you are not the one that will be sexually abused but you may know someone you can help with this information like they say knowledge is power”. The Deputy Governor further stressed.
In their various Presentations the representatives of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Dr. Ovundah Nyeche the author of the Book Sex: The Naked Truth, Mrs. Angela Okhaimo, founder of the Disadvantaged Child Support Initiative as well as Mrs. Ibiene Ogan who exposed the negative consequences of sex abuse urged the students to speak out and seek help when confronted with issues of abuse.
