A group operating in Nigeria under the aegis of Centre for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa), has charged the Cross River State government to expedite action in the provision of funds budgeted for implementation of gender based violence (GBV) prevention and mitigation programmes as approved in the state’s annual budget.

Executive director for the organisation, Uchenna Idoko, gave the charge while presenting a brief to the Cross River State’s Accountant General (AG), Dr. Glory Effiong, during an advocacy visit to the AG’s office in Calabar on Friday.

Odoko, who spoke on the topic, ‘Gender Responsive Budgeting for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Mitigation in Cross River State’, solicited for support from the State government in the task ahead.

Representing the executive director, the group’s Programme Manager, Regina Solomon, said: “We respectfully solicit your support for our GBV project.

“Facilitating a streamlined process for fund disbursement to the identified MDAs to avoid delays in programme implementation.

“Championing the integration of GRB principles in the financial management practices of Cross River State,” Odoko maintained.

In her response, the Accountant General of the state, Glory Effiong, assured the group of Governor Bassey Otu-led administration’s willingness to assist the NGO intensify the fight against GBV against women and children.

“Your programme is supposed to be driven through a ministry. Let someone handle it for you and drive the process.

“You know authorisation and approval is not done here,” she noted, stressing that she was optimistic that if the matter was pursued through the ministry with genuine evidence that funds applied for would be channel into the purpose for which its meant for, she was sure that the governor would authorise the release of funds.