THE Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, highlighted the significance of training, supporting survivors, and advocating for change during the closing ceremony of the Training of Trainers programme on Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBVIE).
The two-week training programme, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in addressing ender-Based Violence in Emergencies commenced on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre in LASU's Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, and ended on Friday, April 26, 2024.
During her closing remarks, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, expressed gratitude to UNFPA Nigeria for their partnership and training support. She commended the UNFPA facilitators and CRPSGBV's Acting Director, Prof. Igot Ofem, and her team for organising the training. The Vice-Chancellor applauded the dedication and commitment of the participants in combating GBV.
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello encouraged the participants to utilise the knowledge, skills, and tools acquired during the training to make a meaningful impact in their respective contexts. She urged them to share their expertise and passion with the LASU community, organisations in South Western Nigeria, and even other countries in West Africa. The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of training others, supporting survivors, and advocating for change.
Dr Igot Ofem, Acting Director of CRPSGBV, expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries at the closing ceremony. She praised the facilitators and participants for their active engagement throughout the training, including role-playing exercises, question-and-answer sessions, and insightful discussions.
Dr. Ofem reiterated that the purpose of the Training of Trainers (TOT) program on Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies was to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, empathy, and tools to respond effectively and compassionately to sexual abuse and Gender-Based Violence, based on international best practices.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative, Dr Gifty Addico, Mr Christian Sabum, UNFPA Humanitarian Coordinator and Head of Maiduguri Sub-Office, thanked Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for her leadership in implementing the GBVIE Course at LASU. He congratulated the participants for completing the rigorous training and assured LASU of UNFPA's commitment to the partnership.
Mr Sabum emphasised UNFPA's dedication to building partnerships that would lead to zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices in Nigeria and globally.
Mr Samuel Olawale Kappo, Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tertiary Education, highlighted the importance of addressing Gender-Based Violence in tertiary institutions. He stressed the need for a supportive environment that promotes the health and emotional well-being of students. Mr Kappo assured that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, through the office of the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, would take measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of Certificates of Competency to all the participants, marking the successful completion of the two-week training. Mrs Olasunbo Akinyemi, PAR/Administrative Secretary of CRPSGBV, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all involved in making the training programme a success.
