‘He Has Done Very Well, But…’: Expert Urges Gov. Okpebholo to Sign Women, Peace & Security Policy
BENIN CITY — Security and forensic expert Dr. Isaac Eranga has praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his administration’s early strides in tackling insecurity, bolstering agriculture, and improving infrastructure across the state.
Eranga, a Fellow of Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria and a prominent peace journalist, voiced his support for the governor while addressing press members in Benin City. Pointing to the visible developments across various sectors, he highlighted the administration’s proactive stance on safeguarding lives and property.
“As an Esan man from Unuwaizi-Uromi of Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, I’m proud of Gov. Okpebholo as a brother and an achiever,” Dr. Eranga said. “I love Gov. Okpebholo because he has done very well.”
However, the security expert noted that one critical step remains outstanding to fully solidify the state’s security framework: the official domestication of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Often referred to as a “document of hope,” UNSCR 1325 emphasizes the pivotal role women play in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Dr. Eranga revealed that the policy document for Edo State has already been thoroughly prepared and validated by key stakeholders, requiring only the governor’s assent to be gazetted into law.
“There’s one thing he has not done — the domestication of the Women, Peace and Security of the UNSCR 1325,” Eranga stated. “The document, known as a document of hope, is already prepared and validated and requires the Governor to sign in order for it to be gazetted.”
He added that signing the policy into law would align Edo State with several other Nigerian states that have already integrated the resolution into their legal frameworks, further strengthening community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
“The signing will make more Esan people like me even prouder of him. Most states have already domesticated it, and Edo should not be left behind,” Eranga concluded.
