The Niger State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has endorsed the push for the creation of specialized courts to handle cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The State Chairman of NUJ, Abu Nmodu made the call during a meeting between NUJ officials and representatives from the Global Promoters for Community Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), at the IBB Pen House in Minna.
During the meeting, Nmodu emphasized the urgent need for the special courts, noting that they would alleviate the burden on conventional courts and expedite justice for GBV victims across the state.
“The establishment of Special Courts will help decongest our regular courts, allowing for quicker resolutions of GBV cases,” Nmodu stated.
Nmodu described gender-based violence as a “cankerworm” that has deeply infected society, called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to eradicate the scourge.
He highlighted that GBV is often driven by socioeconomic and psychological factors, and commended the NGO’s efforts to tackle the issue head-on.
“The initiative will assist in reshaping society and changing the mindset of the people towards positive thinking,” Nmodu said, while pledging NUJ’s full support for the cause.
He also noted that the collaboration between the NUJ and the Global Promoters for Community Initiative would be further strengthened following the visit.
Earlier, Hajara Achibi, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation for the NGO, outlined the purpose of the visit.
She called on journalists to amplify the organization’s advocacy efforts aimed at eradicating GBV through public awareness and support for the creation of special courts.
“We are agitating for the creation of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of offenders, and we are calling on journalists to assist in publicizing our activities in the state,” Achibi said.