The State-Level Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on Strengthening Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Response Systems and LGA-State Synergy in Rivers State was organized by Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation and the Ministry of Health with support from Rise Up. This meeting was held on the 22nd day of July 2025, in Port Harcourt.
An opening prayer was said by CHHELD staff – Maureen Udeagha, followed by introduction of participants from MDAs, Traditional Leaders, Religious Leaders, CSOs, the Media and other Development Partners.
A welcome address was done by HELDi Coordinator – Dr Mfon Utin who warmly welcomed all stakeholders for the meeting and thanked them for continued collaboration and support. Beyond strengthening linkages between LGA SGBV Response Teams and State-level mechanisms, Dr Mfon said this meeting will mark progress towards the official launch of the SGBV Response Teams by the State Government, which will improve coordination, survivor support, and sustainability across the 3 LGAs (Etche, ONELGA, and Eleme) where this project is implemented.
Opening remarks was delivered by Prof. Jumbo Justina – the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. One key output she expects from the meeting is to agree on a formal reporting format of SGBV cases in Rivers State with focus on sustainable solutions for stronger partnership. In her words “Let’s not just talk about change but let us all be the drivers for change”
Various goodwill messages were received from regulators working on SGBV and stakeholders including UNICEF, NAPTIP, National Orientation Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Ministries of Justice, Health, and Primary Health Care Management Board. All these stakeholders highlighted their commitments to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of everyone especially women, girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups who are most affected by SGBV.
The 3 LGAs where the Response Team has been setup gave their reports, speaking about the numbers of reported cases in each of the LGAs, the challenges encountered and recommendations.
In addition. A presentation was done on the roles and responsibilities of various Government ministries. Othe remarks and contributions was also made by other stakeholders present for the meeting as summarized below
-The Local Government Area should be involved in SGBV interventions
-Sensitizations need to start from homes, including the boys
-This project is an advocacy project and not a service-delivery project
-There is need for SGBV budget line by the relevant ministries, for sustainability
The meeting came to an end with a closing remark by the coordinator, thanking everyone for their active participation and supports.