The founder of The Mirabel Centre, a non-governmental organisation which takes care of rape victims in Nigeria, Itoro Eze-Anaba, has been honoured with the Commonwealth Point of Light Award by Queen of England, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This was according to a statement on Tuesday by the Media Officer of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Abuku.
Abuku said Eze-Anaba, who is the wife of wife of the Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Eze Anaba, was honoured in Abuja at a colourful ceremony hosted by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.
The statement noted that Eze-Anaba founded The Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre, in 2013 and has since then 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 noted.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Arkwright, was quoted as saying that, “Itoro 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, 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 counseling services.”
Responding, Eze-Anaba, according to the statement, said, “I am delighted that the Point of Light has been awarded to highlight the importance of tackling rape and sexual assault.
“Rape is evil, degrading and dehumanising.
“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 for our future.
“This award is a reiteration of our message of ‘No To Rape!’”
