The Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Dr. Haruna Okai, has urged government and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to prioritise greater investment in family planning services.
We gathered that Okai made the appeal during an interview with journalists at the sideline of the Systemic Investment Plan (SIP) and Paint Programme themed “Paint It Loud” held on Friday in Abuja, as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
He emphasised that PPFN remains fully committed to the campaign, stressing that harmful cultural practices that undermine the rights of women and girls must be ended. According to him, the persistence of GBV in Nigeria calls for stronger partnerships and sustained action from all sectors.
Okai noted that the struggle against GBV should not be confined to just 16 days of activism, as the violence “happens every second, hours and everyday in most parts of the country.”
“We entertain cases of GBV and collaborate with the relevant authorities, and again in some case, we go to the houses of victims for counselling to sort out issues,” he said.
He commended government efforts, particularly the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, adding: “The Federal Government is doing very well. We must applaud the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, where it address a lot of issues including gender female mutilation which is yet to be adopted by some states.”
Okai, however, stressed the need for states to fully implement the Act and invest in building the capacity of counsellors, service providers and community structures. He added that the widespread underreporting of GBV cases and a weak justice system that often delivers lenient sentences for offenders must be addressed.
He further recommended faster action to reduce maternal deaths, GBV prevalence and related issues, insisting that the current response is too slow to achieve meaningful results.
“Education is very important; there is need to provide quality and sexual reproductive health education for our girls. We all know what is happening in the country now.
“Also, the best investment to achieving FP 2030 is investing in Family Planning, because with that, you can plan your life on the numbers of children you want, not to give birth to children that will turn bandits and terrorists,” he added.
In her remarks, Ms. Sadiya Yakubu, Desk Officer for GBV at PPFN, reiterated calls for government, civil society organisations, private entities and other partners to keep amplifying awareness on GBV. She highlighted that discussions at the event also addressed emerging concerns such as digital violence — including cyberbullying, cyberstalking and online harassment.
The gathering drew participation from media practitioners, civil society groups, NGOs, youth advocates and other stakeholders.
