Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Adamawa State branch in conjunction with Action Health Incorporated (AHI) with support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has begun a statewide sensitization tour to create awareness around Violent Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act with a visit to Jimeta modern market today.
According to the chairperson of FIDA, Barr. Shanti Shasi who was represented at the event by Barr. Hafsat Abdullahi, the sensitization tour is aimed at popularizing the VAPP Act which came into effect in the state recently.
In an unprecedented feat, Adamawa State house of assembly has passed the VAPP bill into law on March 1, 2021 and currently awaiting Governor Fintiri’s assent.
The governor who lauded the effort of FIDA and other stakeholders in pushing for the bill into law noted that through that unprecedented feat, they had written their names in gold in the sands of time.
Sashi called on the leadership of Gamzaki traders union to educate their members on the reality that the law will be beneficial to all persons in the state.
She noted that if governor Fintiri finally sign the bill into law, anyone caught violating it will not escape the wrath of the law.
Responding to the call by FIDA, the chairman of Gamzaki traders association, Jimeta modern market, Gambo Uban Nura commended FIDA for its selfless effort to ensure the state is free from Gender Based Violence and molestation of persons.
He promised to ensure delivering the positive message to every trader in the market.
Also speaking, Adamawa State chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zainab Abubakar called on FIDA to continue with the tempo of sensitization.
She urged FIDA to carry the message to every nook and cranny of the state due to its importance and relevance to the populace.
She noted that as a journalist, she is worried about the rampant cases of GBV in the state as it has became a major feature in news stories on daily basis.
She assured FIDA of support from the media, as she noted that the law will impact the lives of all.
Earlier in her opening remark, Hajiya Aisha, Chief Executive Officer (COE) of Goggoji Zumunchi Development Initiative noted that the essence of the VAPP law can not be overemphasized.
Highlighting the rationale behind the sensitization, the Aisha noted that it became imperative to educate the people about the new law so as to be conversant with it and its benefit to the society in general.
She called on the people to give the law a chance so as to eradicate all forms of violence against persons especially the vulnerable in the society.
Responding, some of the trader’s who applauded FIDA for the good fight said they will also act as champions against any form of violence on persons in the state.
