Group campaigns against violence among young people

A Non-governemental Organisation, Royalty Empowerment Project (REP) initiative, recently held a peace walk and conference to engage students on the dangers of violence in the society. The event, which was tagged, We say no to violence against young people, gathered speakers, who harped on the ills of engaging in violent activities, which creates further harm to the emotional, psychological and mental being.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Hakeem Muri Okunola, in his address, said that, in other to stem out violence from the society, implementing and enforcing relevant laws as it affects violent conducts without fear or favour, encouraging good norms and attitudes, response and counseling services to victims of violence, provision of education and life skills which is the hallmark of development, safe environment and most importantly parents and caregivers support are strategies to put in place.

According to the founder of the initiative, Judith Chizoba Ukasanya, “it is a violence awareness project. We are trying to say no to physical and psychological violence against young people, by educating, empowering and making them aware of it. We are engaging them in skill acquisition and working with state government to keep them occupied simply because most people are violated due to lack of knowledge while some are violated because they are unable to stand up for their right.

“We are also trying to make them aware of the state, legal and private bodies dedicated to fighting violence; because of the condition of the world there are so many violent cases going on. Most people feel that a rape case should be taken to a police station, which is not the right place for such issues; that is why we are striving to make them aware”

Ukasanya who started the initiative in 2011 having developed passion for empowering people from her mum, who runs an NGO for widows and orphans, started out in secondary school with funds she saved from her pocket.

“During my secondary school, I volunteered at Father’s Touch Organisation before starting out my initiative. We also plan to equip young people and encourage them to acquire skills, as it is important to keep them busy and focused with life. For me, before I got admitted into the university, I learnt how to make wigs, and sell cloths too.”