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Duchess of Cornwell becomes first patron of Mirable Centre
Report: Ikenna Oluka
![Mirabel Centre and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CL-Number-19-CH-garden-Burnand.jpg)
![Mirabel Centre and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CL-Number-19-CH-garden-Burnand.jpg)
The Mirabel Centre has announced that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has become the Centre’s first patron.
Founded in July 2013 by Itoro Eze-Anaba, the Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), providing succor and a safe place to survivors of rape and sexual assault.
![Mirabel Centre photo](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mirabel-Centre-photo.jpg)
![Mirabel Centre photo](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mirabel-Centre-photo.jpg)
Photo credit: Mirabel Centre
Survivors who have recently or in the past been sexually assaulted can access free post-incident support services at the Centre.
In the last eight years, the Mirabel Centre has provided free medical and psychosocial support services to over 6,450 survivors (including persons with disabilities).
For several years, The Duchess of Cornwall has highlighted the work of domestic abuse and sexual assault charities in the UK and overseas in supporting victims and survivors, with the aim of breaking the taboo around the subject.
Her Royal Highness has visited shelters and support centres around the world and in 2020 became Patron of the UK domestic abuse charity SafeLives.
Her Royal Highness has attended round table discussions on domestic abuse in Australia in 2015, in New Zealand in 2019, and as part of the Women’s Forum at CHOGM in London in 2018.
The Duchess visited Nigeria together with The Prince of Wales in 2018 when her engagements included joining a discussion hosted by the Women of the World Festival (WOW) saying, “Women get together to discuss things that matter to them so I think especially here in Nigeria it is a fantastic place to start.”
“I am delighted to become Patron of the Mirabel Centre in Lagos. It is a truly trailblazing organisation, supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault as they seek healing and justice. Their vital work means that women need no longer suffer in silence and I am deeply grateful to all Mirabel’s wonderful staff and volunteers”, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall
In a statement, Itoro Eze- Anaba, Mirabel Centre founder, said: “it is an honour to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cornwall as our first Patron. We are pleased that the Duchess has agreed to be our patron. We have followed her work with charities working in the sexual and gender-based violence space and have seen how passionate and committed The Duchess is towards providing support for survivors.
“Indeed, this announcement is timely considering the devastating nature of sexual violence and the increased advocacy for survivor support services which has led to an increase in the number of survivors who require the services of the centre. The current COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed the endemic nature of sexual violence. We have seen a huge number of children and women coming forward to report cases of sexual assault and rape. Our youngest survivor is a 3-month-old baby and the oldest, an 80-year-old woman. We are confident that the support of The Duchess will make a difference.”
Speaking also, Catriona Laing CB, the UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “I am absolutely delighted that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to become Patron of the Mirabel Centre in Lagos Nigeria. In this role, she will help showcase the essential work the Mirabel Centre does to support sufferers of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has been a long-standing supporter of women who have suffered from these crimes. Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is a global epidemic ravaging all levels of society, and one of the most prevalent and devastating human rights violations.
It cuts across all social, national, economic boundaries and, sadly, remains largely unreported due to the stigma and shame too often associated with survivors, and the impunity too often enjoyed by the perpetrators.
“The Mirabel Centre is the first of its kind to provide holistic and high quality psychosocial and medical services to these survivors in Nigeria, and this patronage will no doubt help to ensure safe and continued support to sexual assault survivors, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. This will complement the UK Government’s other partnerships in Nigeria to tackle SGBV.”
Located in a modest two-room building within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in the heart of the city, the Centre is currently expanding its residence to make adequate room to serve survivors of sexual violence promptly.
News
APRA Decries Terror Attack in Burkina Faso
… Spread of mpox in DRC and the frightening flooding in Sudan
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/A-Boko-Haram-under-aged-suicide-bomber.jpg)
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/A-Boko-Haram-under-aged-suicide-bomber.jpg)
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has condemned the recent terror attack in the Burkinabe town of Barsalogho in the Sanmatenga Province of the Republic, which has killed so many people and injured scores of persons.
In a statement on Friday, signed by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, secretary-general, APRA, the body said it is greatly concerned about the increasing terror attacks in Burkina Faso and in other parts of Africa.
“The umbrella body of practitioners and professionals of public relations in Africa hereby calls for the cessation of all forms of attacks, especially on unarmed people. We call for dialogue as a more civil approach to resolving conflicts instead of violent attacks leading to destruction and catastrophic outcomes that leave the continent more devastated.
“We are gravely disturbed by this recent attack in Burkina Faso, coming on the heels of the death of over 500 persons due to mpox scourge caused by the monkeypox virus ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, the hotbed of the health crisis; and the distressing floods caused by the collapse of the Arba’ at Dam in the east of the Republic of Sudan, destroying or impacting about 70 communities and affecting telecommunication infrastructure and other utilities. These and many emergent humanitarian crises in Africa have been overwhelming enough for a great but challenged continent. Therefore, entrenched terror attacks can only worsen efforts at restoring the glory of the continent.
“As a body of communication managers, APRA iterates its call for increased, sincere and responsible conversation and concrete actions among state actors and other stakeholders in Africa to address these and future challenges, many of which are heralded by warning signs. Therefore, APRA calls on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to resume strengthening collaboration with the government and people of DRC because mpox is yet to be defeated as an existential global health issue.
APRA stands in solidarity with the Governments and people of Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Sudan. We commiserate with those who have lost family members and friends. We also wish those injured and displaced speedy recovery.
News
NNPC Launches Vision First Programme in Ilaje Community, Lagos
… Over 1,000 Individuals Receive Free Eye-care Services
![NNPC Launches Vision First Programme](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-1.jpg)
![NNPC Launches Vision First Programme](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-1.jpg)
The NNPC Ltd has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.
The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
![NNPC Launches Vision First Programme](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-2.jpg)
![NNPC Launches Vision First Programme](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-2.jpg)
Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.
The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.
In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.
![NNPC Launches Vision First](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-3.jpg)
![NNPC Launches Vision First](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NNPC-Launches-Vision-First-Programme-Pic-3.jpg)
The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
News
Bashir Hadeija: More Revelations, Panic as Fingered Elements Embark on Attack of High Profile Government Officials
By: Staff Writer
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![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bashir-Hadeija-.png)
The sponsors of malicious allegations and attacks on the Minister of Defense, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Director General of DSS, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the IG of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other top government officials, are on it again.
Commenting on the matter, Habib Ahmed, a Public Analyst, believes they are circulating spurious write up through an unknown and faceless group to attack top government functionaries, “this is orchestrated by the arrest of one Bashir Hadeija who they collaborate with and also use him to propagate false and nefarious information.
“This Bashir Hadeija uses all sorts of deceitful ways including name dropping to manipulate the public.
Since the arrest of Bashir Hadeija and the revelations he is making, certain individuals are jittery because investigation is closing in on them.
“Zamfara State Governor, former NSA , Defence minister and others who are sponsoring Bashir Hadeija have embarked on campaign of calumny against Dr Matawalle, IGP, NSA , DG DSS and other credible top government officials.
“Dr Matawalle does not have need to smear the image of any one as he is busy with efforts to enhance national security.
“Bashir Hadeija and his cohorts who have been found with Gold with the inscription of former late Libyan leader whose street value is unimaginable. Bashir Hadeija is an international crook who has been caught up by wrath of the law is capable of subversive activities.
“Arrest of Bashir Hadeija has triggered more reactions and thank God that Bashir Hadeija mentioned the names of Zamfara Governor, Ali Gusau, Badaru and as a result of this, they have started attacks on Matawalle, Nuhu Ribadu, DG DSS and IGP but this should not deter them in ensuring that justice is done.
“The anticipated attacks from the named accomplices of Bashir Hadeija against high profile Nigerians should be ignored. A person who stole Gold from Libya can say anything to anybody. The public should ignore them”, Habib Ahmed, said.