The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has endorsed the call for the establishment of special courts to prosecute offenders of gender-based violence (GBV).
State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmodu, expressed this support during a courtesy visit by officials of the Non-Governmental Organisation, Global Promoters for Community Initiative, at the IBB Pen House in Minna.
Comrade Nmodu emphasised that the special courts, once operational, would help decongest conventional courts and ensure the swift dispensation of justice for GBV victims. He attributed the prevalence of gender-based violence to socio-economic and psychological factors, which have led to societal maladjustments.
Describing GBV as a "cankerworm" that has deeply infiltrated society, Comrade Nmodu called for concerted efforts to eradicate it. He praised the initiative's promoters, noting that their efforts would help reshape society and foster positive thinking.
He assured the NGO of the NUJ's unwavering support, highlighting that the visit would strengthen collaboration between the two entities. Comrade Nmodu also pledged to encourage journalists to prioritise the reportage of GBV cases as part of their contribution to eliminating the scourge.
Earlier, Hajara Achibi, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation for the initiative, stated that the visit aimed to seek journalists' support in the collective effort to eradicate GBV through advocacy and enlightenment. She mentioned that the organisation had trained women in Bosso and Chanchaga local government areas to help spread its activities at the grassroots level.
Achibi revealed that the NGO is advocating for the creation of special courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders and called on journalists to assist in publicising their activities.