The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Nigeria (PAACA) are intensifying efforts towards eradicating #Rape and gender based violence especially as data shows that number of victims from this menace had increased exponentially during the lockdown occasioned by #COVID19 pandemic.While delivering his opening speech, the Director-General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari attributed increase in cases of abuse and gender based violence to Prolonged lockdown aimed at slowing down the spread of #COVID19 infections. He said further that the Agency has intensified efforts by engaging critical stakeholders to bring an end to sexual and gender based violence in the country.”I commend the PAACA for choosing the Agency as a worthy partner in the fight against sexual and gender based violence,” said Abari.ED PAACA, Ezenwa Nwagwu revealed that his NGO is worried at the rate of cases concerning sexual violence, adding that he decided to partner the NOA having realized its spread and presence will be essential in reaching out to Nigerians.Rep of the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Victoria Lar said the ministry has been partnering with stakeholders such as National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigerian Police and other CSOs and NGOs to bring about change regarding sexual violence in Nigeria.Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary NHRC announced that his Commission is already working on a Mobile App to enable victims get instant access to a platform to seek justice against sexual offenders. Head of Programmes ActionAid, Suwaiba Yakubu-Jibrin said the trend of sexual violence is alarming, while she called on victims to report offenders for prosecution.Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbawanu presented a paper titled: Positioning Nigeria to Fight the Scourge of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. She took participants through statistics regarding rising cases across all states. NOA Situation Room