Queen Elizabeth Recognises Nigerian With Commonwealth Point Of Light Award

Queen Elizabeth (II) has recognised a Nigerian, Itoro Eze-Anaba, as the 4th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her support for victims of rape and sexual assault.

The award was presented on Tuesday at the British High Commissioner’s Residence by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission, Joe Abuku.

Eze-Anaba founded Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre in 2013 and since then has 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 amongst members of the public of the existence of the centre and the crucial services it provides.

Ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on April 19 and 20, the Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, recognises inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for their impact on their communities.

This according to her, will inspire others to make their own contributions to tackling some of the .

Eze-Anaba expressed delight over the award, noting that it marks the beginning of a joint effort in uprooting the menace called rape.

“I am delighted that a Point of Light has been awarded to highlight the importance of tackling rape and sexual assault.

Rape is evil, degrading and dehumanizing. 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!,” she said.

In his address, Mr Arkwright said: “Itoro has shown impressive dedication to supporting victims of sexual assault and rape. She has provided a safe haven for over 2800 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 counselling services,” he added.

Points of Light began in America under President George H. W. Bush and today over 6,000 individuals in the US have been recognised.

Alos in the UK, the Prime Minister has been recognising a daily Point of Light Since 2014, with almost 900 now recognised.

The Commonwealth Points of Light, however, is a continuation of the programme – with a special series of awards recognising inspirational volunteers throughout the Commonwealth in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.