By Mercy Onyenweli
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been urged to expedite the signing and implementation of the State Action Plan (SAP) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
The call was made by the National Network Coordinator of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding Nigeria, Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe, during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized for journalists in Edo State.
The training focused on strengthening reportage on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Addressing participants, Chief Osakwe highlighted the importance of the State Action Plan in advancing the SHINE agenda of the Edo State Government.
She noted that the SAP, once signed and implemented, would complement the government’s developmental strides by promoting inclusive participation of women in peace and security processes.
“We are appealing to the Governor to emulate other states where the SAP has been signed and is currently being implemented, so that Edo State can benefit from increased women’s participation in security intelligence,” she said.
She emphasized that the Edo SAP is anchored on coordination, oversight, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all peace and security initiatives.
In her presentation on standard principles of WPS and YPS reporting, Dr. Adesuwa Osa-Uwagie emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting peace, amplifying the voices of women and youth, and ensuring accountability in the implementation of policies related to peace and security.
Participants were equipped with practical knowledge on conflict-sensitive reporting, ethical considerations in covering GBV cases, and strategies to highlight underreported issues affecting women and young people in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Dr. Osa-Uwagie noted that the State Action Plan serves as a vital framework for addressing the unique challenges faced by women and youth in peacebuilding processes.
She urged the Edo State Government to demonstrate commitment by formally endorsing and operationalizing the plan.
Journalists at the workshop expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as timely and essential in enhancing their capacity to report accurately and responsibly on sensitive issues.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between the media and peacebuilding stakeholders in promoting sustainable peace and security in Edo State and beyond.