The RHF project team carried out advocacy to the various stakeholders for the formation and inauguration of the Child Protection Committee in the project-targeted communities in Ogbia LGA. The aim of this advocacy is to gain support and community ownership for the project to ensure its sustainability. Below are the key stakeholders whom the project team visited
1. International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA).
2. Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD).
3. Police Divisional Headquarters Kolo-II, Ogbia LGA.
4. The Executive Chairman, Ogbia LGA.
5. Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen in the project communities.
6. Youth Leaders and Women Leaders.
One of the primary objectives of the advocacy was to raise awareness about child rights and legal protection, and to invite the committee to the official inauguration of the CPC in the LGA Headquarters, Ogbia Town. During the visits, the CDC Chairman from Kolo-II mentioned that there had been issues of child abuse in his community, which he had been handling at the community level. He also expressed satisfaction with the formation of a child protection committee by the RHF/HPDP-II project support team; “at least I now know where to channel such cases when the need arises”, he said.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Bayelsa State, Barr. Dise O. Erhisere also emphasized the importance of having the CPC at community levels, which will facilitate communication with the community regarding issues surrounding child abuse. The objective of the advocacy was achieved, as the police were involved because they are key persons in the security sector.
