The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has called for implementation of policies and programmes that protects the rights of women and the girl child, towards ensuring access to justice for survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and creating an environment where violence is neither tolerated nor ignored.
Mrs. Abiodun made the call during a sensitisation walk as part of 2024 16days activism against GBV, noting that it was a call for action against the violence.
The first lady noted that, Ogun State has passed the Violence Against People Prohibition Law (VAPP Law) which has the effect of conviction and prosecution of offenders, advocating support for survivors through the Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state.
“I want to thank His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun , for his leadership and support at ensuring that people of the state are free from any form of violence, no matter the gender. His dedication to advancing the welfare of women and girls in the State is commendable and deserves our deepest gratitude”, she said.
Assuring of easy passage of related bills on GBV, and Child right, the Speaker of the state House Assembly, RT. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide assured of the readiness of the legislature at quick passage of bills, that would better the lot of everyone in the state, regardless of the gender.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment at ensuring that the fight against Gender Based Violence yields positive results, adding that with the 3 additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) in the state, survivors would have a safe haven with adequate medical, legal and psychological attention as well as capacity-building training to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing quality support for them.
Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Mrs. Abigail Msemburi applauded the state government’s efforts at reducing the menace of GBV, noting that the state has recorded outstanding achievements in the fight against GBV, giving quick response, awareness and ensuring justice is served.
