Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday recognised Itoro
Eze-Anaba, a Nigerian as the fourth Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of
her support for victims of rape and sexual assault.
The award, according to a statement from the Press
and Public Affairs Office of the British High Commission in Abuja, is in
appreciation of inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for
the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
The statement signed by Joseph Abuku disclosed that
the appreciation is part of build up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting (CHOGM) in London on April19 to 20.
"By sharing these stories of service, the
Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering
across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contributions
to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
"Itoro
Eze-Anaba founded Nigeria's first sexual assault referral centre in 2013 and
since then, she has helped over 3,100 victims of rape. The Mirabel Centre has
established itself as a key service provider for victims of sexual assault in
Lagos State, with an increasing number of clients accessing the centre, indicating
a growing awareness among members of the public of the existence of the centre
and the crucial services it provides," the statement read.
It added that each Commonwealth Point of Light will
receive a personalised certificate signed by the Queen.
The award for Itoro Eze-Anabe was presented
yesterday at the British High Commissioner’s Residence by the British High
Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.
The UK High Commissioner said: “Eze-Anabe has shown
impressive dedication to supporting victims of sexual assault and rape. She has provided a safe haven for over 2,800
survivors of this heinous crime and has encouraged thousands of others to break
the silence on rape and seek prosecution of perpetrators, therefore reducing
their impunity.
"The Mirabel Centre is a project of
Partnership for Justice where rape and sexual assault victims can access free
forensic medical and counselling services.”
Responding, Eze-Anaba expressed delight over the
award, noting that it further highlights the importance of tackling rape and
sexual assault.
"On behalf of the dedicated, tireless and
resolute team that is determined to give voice to the voiceless, strength to
the weak and hope to the hopeless, I am sure that this award marks the
beginning of a joint effort to uproot this evil that relentlessly battles our
future.
"This award is a reiteration of our message of
‘No To Rape’!” She said.
According to the statement, the Heads of Government
meeting will bring together leaders from all the 52 member countries to
reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work
to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people.
"Voluntary service is a vital part of this
agenda, which is why The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers
across the Commonwealth in this special way," the statement added.
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