TheCable

Queen Elizabeth has honoured Itoro Eze-Anaba, a Nigerian anti-rape activist, with the Commonwealth Point of Light award.

The honour is in recognition of her support of rape and sexual assault victims.

Eze-Anaba founded The Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre, in 2013 and has helped over 3,100 victims of rape.

The centre has established itself as a key service provider for victims of sexual assault in Lagos state.

Eze-Anaba’s award will be presented by Paul Arkwright, the British high commissioner to Nigeria.

“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,” Eze-Anaba said.

“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.”

Speaking on Eze-Anaba’s award, 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.”

Commonwealth Point of Light awardees receive personalised certificates signed by Queen Elizabeth.