The Nigeria Governors Forum has agreed to declare a state of emergency on sexual and gender- based violence against women and children .

They also renewed commitment to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law .

This was contained in a communique signed by the Chairman of the NGF , Dr . Kayode Fayemi , after the forum ’ s 10 th COVID- 19 teleconference meeting .

Governors agreed to , “ Declare a State of Emergency on Sexual and Gender -based Violence . Governors strongly condemned all forms of violence against women and children and committed to ensuring that offenders face the maximum weight of the law ;

“ Call on State Governors that have not already domesticated relevant gender -based protection laws to domesticate the Violence Against Persons ( Prohibition ) Act , the Child Rights Act and the updated Penal Code to increase protection for women and children and ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of perpetrators in addition to creating a sex offenders register in each State to name and shame . ”

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