Abuja: Experts in Counselling have called for collective action to address the changing nature of Gender-based Violence (GBV) and provide adequate support for survivors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, they made the call in Abuja, during the end of year party of the Counselling Association of Nigeria, (CASSON) FCT Chapter, to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking during the event, the Director of Guidance and Counselling, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Margaret Adeyeye, advocated for routine counselling for Nigerians. She highlighted that proper counselling will reduce gender-based violence and give voice to survivors, adding that such counselling will help people safeguard their mental health. Adeyeye emphasized that effective counselling is crucial for nurturing the youth amid Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Also speaking, a trauma specialist, Mrs Ene Ede, stated that counselling is vital in healing emotional trauma and sustaining interpersonal relationships. She noted that neglect could have significant consequences on national development. Ede explained that addressing trauma and emotional wellbeing spans spiritual, social, cultural, and economic spheres, advising that it should not be politicised. She urged counsellors not to be discouraged, describing their work as a mission rather than a purely transactional profession.
On her part, Public Relations Officer of CASSON, Mrs Halima Nuradeen, pointed out that gender-based violence affects not only women and girls but also men. She stated that CASSON prioritises support for survivors through counselling and mental health services. Nuradeen expressed optimism that gender-based violence can be significantly reduced if deliberate preventive measures are implemented. She reaffirmed CASSON’s commitment to sustained advocacy, counselling services, and collaborative efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and promote mental well-being.
Additionally, Liaison Officer of CASSON, Mr Yahaya Abdulwahab, mentioned that CASSON’s activities aim to assist individuals in identifying areas where counselling and guidance are needed. ‘We are working tirelessly to ensure that counselling offices are available in hospitals to support primary health care workers in Nigeria’, he said. Abdulwahab also noted that professional counsellors had been deployed to most secondary schools nationwide, including the FCT, to render counselling services. He commended the efforts of various state chapters, including Rivers, Delta, Adamawa, and Sokoto States, noting that recent outreach activities had targeted schools and youth organisations. He called for increased government support to strengthen counselling services.